The Arizona Cardinals are poised to enter the 2025 offseason with a robust $72 million in projected cap space, a figure that provides them with substantial financial flexibility to reshape their roster. With the impending contract extension for tight end Trey McBride factored into the equation, the Cardinals are well-positioned to make strategically impactful moves aimed at accelerating their ongoing rebuild and potentially positioning themselves for a playoff berth. A key area of focus for Arizona’s front office is the defensive backfield, which struggled significantly in the 2024 season, ranking near the bottom of the league in multiple key defensive metrics.
One potential target to bolster the Cardinals’ secondary is free-agent cornerback D.J. Reed. Despite a slight dip in performance in 2024, Reed has established himself as a dependable cornerback, particularly during his tenure with the New York Jets. Since joining the Jets in 2022, Reed has consistently ranked among the league’s top cornerbacks in overall and coverage grades, showcasing his ability to effectively lock down opposing receivers. The Cardinals’ substantial cap space allows them to pursue Reed with a competitive offer, potentially securing a long-term solution to stabilize their secondary. This potential acquisition represents a significant investment in a player proven capable of performing at a high level, a move that could significantly impact the Cardinals’ defensive performance.
However, the decision to pursue Reed is not without its complexities. Arizona has already invested in their cornerback position with promising young player Garrett Williams, the recently signed Sean Murphy-Bunting, and developing second-round pick Max Melton. The front office must carefully weigh the cost of acquiring Reed against the potential benefit, considering the resources already allocated to the cornerback position. Furthermore, the Cardinals’ pass rush presents an even more pressing concern. Their inability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks greatly hampered their defensive performance in 2024, and addressing this deficiency could offer a more immediate and substantial return on investment.
The debate surrounding the acquisition of D.J. Reed highlights a critical strategic decision for the Cardinals. While strengthening the secondary is undoubtedly important, the team’s more glaring weakness lies in its pass rush. The available cap space provides the Cardinals with the flexibility to target either a top-tier cornerback like Reed or a premier edge rusher. However, given the team’s struggles in getting to the quarterback, investing in a playmaking pass rusher could yield a more immediate and significant improvement to their overall defensive performance. A dominant pass rusher can disrupt opposing offenses, force turnovers, and alleviate pressure on the secondary, potentially maximizing the effectiveness of the existing cornerbacks.
D.J. Reed’s consistent performance over the years, particularly his strong coverage skills, makes him an attractive target for teams in need of cornerback help. Newsweek Sports projects a three-year, $48 million contract for Reed, putting him among the highest-paid players at his position. Reed has publicly expressed his anticipation for free agency and his desire to explore his options in the open market. He entered the 2024 season with high expectations for both himself and the Jets, envisioning a scenario where the team’s success would create opportunities for him to capitalize on interceptions. While his individual and team goals were not fully realized, Reed’s consistent performance and expressed desire for a new opportunity make him a prime target for teams like the Cardinals.
Reed’s journey to free agency began with the San Francisco 49ers, who drafted him in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a valuable contributor, even reaching Super Bowl LIV in his second season. Despite facing injury setbacks, Reed’s resilience and talent were evident. After being waived by the 49ers, he was claimed by the Seattle Seahawks, where he seized a starting role and further solidified his reputation as a reliable and physical cornerback. His experience with both the 49ers and Seahawks, coupled with his consistent performance, paints a picture of a player capable of making a significant contribution to a team looking to bolster its defensive unit. The Arizona Cardinals, with their significant cap space and need for defensive improvement, present a potential landing spot for Reed, where he could become a crucial component in their rebuilding efforts.
