Within the first 48 hours of NFL free agency, the Kansas City Chiefs lost two key defenders. First, Tershawn Wharton signed with the Panthers, then it was Justin Reid signing a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the New Orleans Saints. So far, the Chiefs haven't replaced either player, using their resources to sign OL Jaylon Moore and CB Kristian Fulton instead.
Reid has been a fan favorite in Kansas City over the last three years, but this was to be expected. The Chiefs don't have much cap space and have higher priorities in need of contract extensions. Plus, they have Bryan Cook and Jaden Hicks who can step up in Reid's absence.
Perhaps more unexpected than GM Brett Veach's decision not to pay another member of the secondary was Reid's decision to sign with New Orleans. NFL insider James Palmer reported that the Philadelphia Eagles were among teams who were "very interested" in the veteran safety, and Reid's decision went down to the wire.
Reid had several teams that were very interested. Most notably it went down to the wire with the #Titans, #Eagles and #Saints with New Orleans winning out per source. https://t.co/MwEaeGpoZo
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 12, 2025
NFL News: Justin Reid Turned Down the Eagles in Free Agency
Philadelphia's offer for Reid is obviously unknown right now. However, after trading CJ Gardner-Johnson to the Texans on Tuesday, the Eagles had an opening at safety. They could offer Reid a starting role and a chance to continue competing for Super Bowls.
Instead, Reid will join former Chief Tyrann Mathieu in the defensive backfield in New Orleans. After being a solid defensive unit in recent years, the Saints defense took a nosedive last season, resulting in them finishing 5-12, their worst record in 20 years. Reid, who has only missed the playoffs twice in his career and just made three straight Super Bowls, will look to turn things around in New Orleans.