10
Loading video...
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Terrion Arnold was supposed to be the Detroit Lions' lockdown corner when the franchise selected him 24th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, just two years later, he's not even on the team. And the player expected to stabilize the Lions' secondary now is D.J. Reed.
Reed isn't just expected to play well in 2026. With Arnold gone and both of the Lions' star safeties, Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles), coming off major injuries, Detroit may need to lean on him even more than expected.
The Lions signed Reed to a three-year, $48 million deal last offseason, and the early returns were promising. Reed posted 16 combined tackles, four pass breakups, a fumble recovery, and an interception through the first four weeks of the season. For a moment, it looked like he and Arnold were about to form one of the best cornerback duos in the league.
Read More on NFL
Then a hamstring strain in Week 4 sent him to injured reserve, costing him six games and limiting him to just 46 combined tackles, seven pass breakups, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 11 games.
His injury, along with his big contract, is why there's so much pressure on Reed in 2026. Detroit's secondary has already taken a beating, and with Arnold's abrupt exit leaving a real void at corner, Reed may need to be the steady, healthy veteran presence the rest of the defense can rely on.
More news: Kansas City Chiefs Player Facing the Most Pressure in 2026
...
More news: Buffalo Bills Player Facing the Most Pressure in 2026
There's also a financial layer to Reed's 2026 season. His contract includes a 2027 option bonus that makes this upcoming season even more pivotal for his long-term future in Detroit. A strong season keeps him entrenched as the Lions' CB1 for years to come, but another injury-shortened or disappointing campaign could give the franchise enough reason to reconsider.
Reed has a track record of being one of the more reliable cover corners in the NFL. During his time in Seattle and New York, he consistently ranked near the top of the league in yards and completion percentage allowed. He was expected to bring that skill set over to Detroit.
The only thing standing between Reed and a big year is durability. With so many other question marks now surrounding the secondary, he may need a big year to keep Detroit from bleeding points and to keep his own future secure.
More news: Pittsburgh Steelers Player Facing the Most Pressure in 2026
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines