The Detroit Lions had high hopes for the Super Bowl in 2024 but fell short, losing to the Washington Commanders 45-31 in the divisional round.
Now, the team is looking to regroup and stay competitive for the 2025 season. Despite a strong roster, the Lions have the ninth-largest projected cap space for 2025, according to Over the Cap.
As a result, the team could make significant moves in free agency. Tyler Brooke of the 33rd Team recently predicted where the top free agents might land, and star cornerback D.J. Reed was projected to join the Lions.
After serving as Detroit’s No. 1 cornerback in 2024, Carlton Davis is set to hit free agency and may not return, which could lead the Lions to seek a veteran cornerback. Brooke offered the following thoughts on Reed’s fit in Detroit:
“Sauce Gardner may get all of the attention with the New York Jets, but D.J. Reed has been a solid starting cornerback in his own right,” Brooke noted. “While he didn’t have any interceptions last season, he held quarterbacks to a 58.3 completion rate when targeting him in 2024. In fact, he hadn’t allowed a completion percentage higher than 61.4 over the last four seasons.”
“Reed has real No. 1 lockdown potential, which makes him an ideal replacement for the Detroit Lions, who are losing Carlton Davis and Khalil Dorsey to free agency,” he added. “They have the cap space to swing on a free agent somewhere, and Reed could be a great pairing with rookie Terrion Arnold for a one-two punch at the position.”
In 2024, Reed recorded 64 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 11 passes defensed. Although he didn’t log any interceptions, he led the Jets in pass breakups and earned a solid 70.7 coverage grade from PFF.
The Lions might have drafted Davis’ potential replacement in 2024 second-round pick, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., but it’s still uncertain how the rookie will develop after limited playtime in his first year. This uncertainty could lead Detroit to either re-sign Davis or bring in another veteran to start.
Reed could be the perfect complement to young Terrion Arnold in Detroit, addressing one of the team’s biggest offseason questions for general manager Brad Holmes.
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Ben Johnson Is Getting The Same Reaction From Everyone After The Lions’ Loss
After the Detroit Lions’ tough playoff defeat to the Washington Commanders, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has become a focal point of discussion around the league. He has conducted interviews with several teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, regarding their open coaching positions.
Johnson has quickly risen as the top candidate in the coaching market following his impressive season with Detroit. The Lions boasted the No. 1 offense in most major statistical categories, which has attracted the interest of teams that have struggled on offense in recent years.
With Johnson rumored to be the leading contender for the Raiders’ position, social media was flooded with calls from Raider Nation right after the Lions’ Saturday night loss, urging him to come to Las Vegas.
“Tom Brady said I’ve never seen that play in my life. Ben Johnson, you are a Raider,” one fan remarked after Detroit executed a trick play that resulted in a significant gain in the third quarter.
“Ben Johnson clearly wants to be a Raider sooner rather than later,” another fan said following the Lions’ defeat.
“Announce Ben Johnson to the Raiders now,” a user commented after the game.
“Ben Johnson will be the Raiders head coach by weekend’s end,” a Raiders fan posted.
While it’s uncertain whether Johnson will end up in Las Vegas, the trend certainly seems to be leaning in that direction.
