Jarran Reed finds a new employer with Green Bay Packers

After a single season in the AFC with the Kansas City Chiefs, defensive tackle Jarran Reed is taking his talents back to the NFC in hopes of chasing a ring with the reigning Most Valuable Player. Reed signed a deal with the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday in free agency, per NFL reporter Tom Pelissero.

Reed has played almost his entire career in the NFC with the Seattle Seahawks, the team that first drafted him into the National Football League. After being selected in the in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Reed became a fixture for a half-decade along Seattle’s defensive front with 58 quarterback hits and 22 sacks in 72 games.

The Seahawks surprised Reed and the rest of the NFL by releasing Reed last spring in the midst of an ongoing contractual dispute—Reed wanted an extension while Seattle wanted a restructure—which opened the door for the Chiefs to swoop in and sign him on a cheaper single-season deal.

Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Jarran Reed is going back to the NFC after a single season in the AFC.

Last year, Reed was a reliable performer by appearing in all 17 games, but he struggled along with the rest of the defense during the first half of the season. It took considerable time for Reed to adjust to a new scheme and teammates, but he came on strong near the end of the year. Green Bay should feel confident that Reed can still be productive up front both in the run game and as a disruptive pass rusher.

Reed had 43 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks for the Chiefs last season.