3 teams who could sign NY Jets CB D.J. Reed in free agency

The NY Jets are expected to lose many of the key contributors from last year’s team, as Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey want to put their own stamp on this group. This desire to give the organization a little nip and tuck could force veteran cornerback D.J. Reed, who has been vocally disgruntled, out the door.

With Sauce Gardner expected to reset the market for cornerbacks after two All-Pro nominations in his first three seasons and nickel cornerback Michael Carter II already extended, it seems likely that Reed won't make financial sense for a Jets team that is trying to remake the roster.

These three teams have likely been watching Reed's Jets career with great interest, and they will have the financial means necessary to lure him away. Those who are fans of Reed may need to mentally prepare for one of this trio snatching him up.

3 teams who could sign D.J. Reed in free agency

3. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have developed one of the best defenses in the league under the watchful eye of Brian Flores, but Matthew Stafford and the Rams have proven that they need a few more big names at the cornerback spot to truly make themselves an elite unit. Why not splash the cash while J.J. McCarthy is on a rookie deal?

Reed's coverage skills in both man and zone concepts remain exemplary, and he is always willing to throw his body around as a tackler despite his frame. Flores is going to love him, which could weigh heavily on a Vikings front office staring at a weak NFL Draft class for cornerbacks.

2. Washington Commanders

The Commanders could be in a position to run the NFC with Jayden Daniels, but they need to improve their defense immediately. If Marshon Lattimore is healthy next season, pairing him with the experienced Reed would immediately help take the Washington defense from good to great.

Washington might be able to compensate Reed well due to their cap space, and Dan Quinn's style of defense is not dissimilar at all to what the Jets ran in the last few years. Reed is still young for a player looking for a second free agency payday, which could help him fit Washington's timeline.

1. San Francisco 49ers

One of Robert Saleh's greatest developmental success stories with the Jets was helping Reed reach his full potential. After landing on his feet in San Francisco by reprising his role as defensive coordinator, Saleh could try to recruit some of his old Jets buddies over to the Bay Area.

The 49ers' secondary wasn't very good last year, and Charvarius Ward possibly leaving in free agency could make this need even bigger. After making his name in the pros with San Francisco, Reed could be a perfect candidate to link back up with Saleh.

More NY Jets news and analysis: