NFL Insider: D.J. Reed to Receive Major Interest in Free Agency, Avoid Franchise Tag

New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed is set to be one of the top defensive players in the free-agent market this offseason, and the team reportedly is unlikely to try to retain him by using the franchise tag.

ESPN's Rich Cimini explained that the Jets' new regime led by head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey is "looking to make changes, not retain older players from the previous administration." Reed is one of seven starters set to hit the open market, and Cimini believes he will be a popular free agent.

"Cornerback D.J. Reed, 28, figures to attract significant interest on the open market, as he ranked 14th out of 77 corners in EPA/target (minimum: 250 coverage snaps), per Next Gen Stats," Cimini wrote. "The tag amount for a corner is expected to exceed $20 million, too rich for the Jets. Reed is expected to test the market."

Reed has spent the last three seasons in New York. He appeared in 14 games in 2024 and produced 64 total tackles, 11 passes defended, a sack and no interceptions.

Amid a disappointing season for the Jets, Reed admitted that the constant losing wore on him and he was ready to move on from New York, telling Tyler Dunne of Go Long, "I'm ready to see what's next for me."

It sounds like Reed will get that chance this winter, as the Jets are not expected to use their franchise tag on him or anyone else.