Three years ago, free agency was all about money for DJ Reed.
The cornerback joined the Jets on a three-year, $33 million contract to provide income for his family after spending four years on the West Coast with the 49ers and Seahawks.
The 28-year-old feels “less stressed” about his paycheck as he enters his second free agency period, and is instead more concerned about whether his next home will be a “stable home.” will become more important. “Healthy” organization.
“Obviously, winning is important in this league,” Reed told the Post Thursday. “But even if you go to a good organization, even if you think it's a good organization, you haven't won in the year you've been there.I think there's more to it than just winning. I think the most important thing for me is to have a good mental space, to be in a good organization, to be in a good environment, a healthy environment. I know I can control it.”
Reid's wallet will be tight heading into the offseason, as the Jets signed Michael Carter II to a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension on September 3rd, and the team will likely not be able to negotiate after his contract ends in 2024. They will be saving money for Sauce Gardner's upcoming contract extension. season.
Since training camp, Reid has made it clear he intends to consider free agency and reaffirmed that on Monday. Go Long reporter Tyler Dunnsaid, “I'm ready to go to free agency.”
The comment sparked a lot of backlash, with many seeing the seventh-year player as already having one foot out the door ahead of the final game of the season.
Asked about the statement, Reed told the Post, “It was an honest answer and I don't regret it.”
“I think everyone appreciated that comment a lot. But, you know, I said at the podium during training camp that I was going to be a free agent. So I'm looking forward to being a free agent with one game left. I don't think it was a far-fetched statement to say that I am.
“Sometimes you see these weird things like, 'He's quitting the team.' Last year, he played to the best of his ability. Even though we had a season, we had injuries and other things like that. So it's kind of funny to hear comments like that. But it's part of the game.”
Reed proved to be a highlight move for former general manager Joe Douglas.
This season, he has one sack, 59 total tackles, three tackles for loss and one quarterback hit.
He also had two interceptions and two forced fumbles in his remaining two years with the Jets.
Nevertheless, despite high expectations this year with a healthy Aaron Rodgers back under center and a strong defense under former head coach Robert Saleh, Reed's efforts were not enough for a winning season. It didn't connect.
“It's been a frustrating year. I feel like everyone in this locker room is frustrated. If they're not, there's probably something wrong with them,” Reid said. “…We put in a lot of effort. …This is the hardest work I've ever worked on, and that's why I don't understand why I can't win, why I can't finish. But I When I came here, I, Sauce, MC. [Carter]We've done some great things in the last three years. … We've had some really good years and obviously this was a down year for everyone, but I guess that happens in the league as well. ”
After the Jets were eliminated from the playoffs by the Dolphins in overtime, 32-26, in Week 14, Reid felt frustrated but grateful for how his tenure with the Jets was ending.
Going into Sunday with a chance to knock Miami out of the postseason, he will be looking to do well, including recovering a pass interference penalty call (his seventh of the season, tied for the NFL record for a player). are. The Dolphins tied the important game.
“At the end of the day, I'm a competitor, so I want to win. I want to dominate.” “And if I'm not doing those things, I'm going to be frustrated because it's just my mindset. So I'm looking forward to getting into a good environment and playing and being in a good mental state. ”
