Multiple signs point to the exit for New York Jets’ cornerback DJ Reed.
The soon-to-be free agent is likely headed to a different team this upcoming offseason, and fellow corner Sauce Gardner recognized the potential departure while addressing reporters following the Jets’ 40-14 road loss to the Buffalo Bills on December 29.
“Like I told DJ, we might not play together again for whatever that’s worth. That’s one of the things that just kept me going, kept me trying to go out there,” said Gardner, who was officially questionable to play due to a hamstring injury.
Gardner started, but he left the game early when the injury flared up. Reed played 69 of a possible 70 snaps in what may be his next-to-last game as a Jet.
In the final season of a three-year contract, the 28-year-old Reed is looking for a big payday likely in the $20 million average annual value range. Meanwhile, the Jets already have defensive tackle Quinnen Williams on a massive multi-year deal and they’ll have to exercise the fifth-year option for Gardner come springtime. Even if New York could find a way to fit Reed in under the salary cap, the cornerback seems interested in a change of scenery.
While speaking to reporters after Sunday’s lopsided loss to the Bills, Reed sounded pretty clear about his intentions.
“I’m ready to go to free agency, bro. I’m ready to see what’s next for me,” said Reed in an interview shared by Go Long creator Ty Dunne.
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Adding perspective to the words, Dunne wrote “Instead, players cannot shelve their Jets gear fast enough. Asked if he wants to be around next season, Reed shakes his head.”
With one game to go for the 4-12 Jets, it looks like Reed’s bags are packed already.
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