Justin Reid enjoyed a fruitful run after signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2022 offseason. He and the Chiefs' defense helped usher in a major turnaround, making the Super Bowl in each and every season. He will leave with two Super Bowl rings if he, indeed, departs for a new organization.
Reid had some major shoes to fill at safety at the time of his signing with the Chiefs. While he operates differently, replacing Tyrann Mathieu came with some added pressure. Reid became a defensive leader, especially with the team beginning to rely on younger defensive backs in the last few years.
Reid can align in the box, in the slot, or as a single-high safety over the top. He was also utilized as a blitzer under Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. That versatility could aid him as a free agent on this year's open market.
Kansas City Chiefs free agent profile: Justin Reid, safety
Chiefs' 2024 expectations for Justin Reid
Kansas City knew exactly what they were getting from Justin Reid in 2024. For some players, that phrase can be seen as a kiss of death. This is actually a compliment for Reid, however. He is a routine player in everything he does. Reid consistently remains a sure tackler, especially in space. He is someone who can match up with tight ends one-on-one from a physical perspective. And again, the leadership aspect should not go unnoticed. His availability and health are items that have caused no concern, to boot.
How did 2024 season turn out for Justin Reid?
Justin Reid appeared in 16 games for the Chiefs in 2024. He and many of the starters rested in the regular season finale, of course. The veteran safety finished the campaign with 87 total tackles, 9 passes defended, 5 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions. Those passes defended and interception figures were each single-season bests for Reid's Kansas City tenure.
The two games in which he pulled down interceptions were arguably two of his most impactful games this past season. On the road against both the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Reid baited quarterbacks into bad throws for easy picks. Meanwhile, Reid was making stops all over the place in space for Steve Spagnuolo's defense.
Will Justin Reid re-sign with Chiefs in 2025?
Kansas City may want to attempt to keep Justin Reid, yet there are a few reasons why a split seems more likely. For one, the Chiefs have never been afraid to move on from safeties. Reid replaced Mathieu, as mentioned above. In the Andy Reid era, many safeties have had short stints before they got too long in the tooth. With a young Jaden Hicks, a 2024 draft pick, waiting in the wings, the Chiefs have options and some leverage. Finally, the current salary cap outlook and other roster needs may present too many hurdles to fit Reid back into the puzzle.
Free agent prediction for Justin Reid
There are a few different teams that make sense for Justin Reid on the open market. But, what about the Minnesota Vikings? Minnesota has many defensive backs set for free agency this offseason. This includes safety Cam Bynum as well as cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, and Shaq Griffin. Additionally, who knows how long Harrison Smith is going to continue to play?
Adding someone of Reid's caliber and consistency could help offset some transition in their secondary. The Vikings also have ample cap space to work with this offseason. Pro Football Focus lists his projected contract at three years, $46.5 million, worth a $15.5 million average salary per season. We will stick in that ballpark, as a result.
Prediction: Reid signs with Minnesota Vikings for three years, $45 million with a $15 million average salary per season
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