3 Pending 2025 Free Agents the Chiefs Should Find Replacements For in NFL Draft
By Joe Summers
2. Justin Reid - S
Justin Reid has quickly endeared himself to Kansas City as well with his physical, punishing style of play and leadership on the defense. It's possible that the Chiefs sign him to a contract extension, but they at least need to consider other options with Reid currently projected to be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
He's got two Super Bowl rings in two years with Kansas City, amassing 178 tackles, 14 deflected passes, nine QB hits, four sacks, and an interception. Reid had 1.5 sacks in this most recent playoff run too, and he's elevated his game in the biggest moments with regularity.
Justin Reid gets the big hit after DeVonta Smith easily gets the first down. But watch Reid open up in coverage on Goedert in the slot before the tackle.
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) February 15, 2023
(Plus Willie Gay running like Fred Flintstone) pic.twitter.com/2cLXdI09ja
If the Chiefs don't make a plan for potentially replacing Reid now, they'll be in a tough spot in negotiations next year. Bryan Cook is expected to make a full recovery from his broken ankle and Nazeeh Johnson looks like a promising player, but Reid has a massive role and Veach should consider how to fill his shoes should Reid command more than the Chiefs are willing to give him.
Just 27 years old, Reid is entering his prime. He'd be a quality player to keep around, though Veach has never given a multi-year extension to a player in the secondary. Even Tyrann Mathieu walked at the end of his deal, so it'd require a change in approach for Reid to stay in Kansas City.
I'd expect to see the Chiefs draft a safety with a mid-round pick to start developing under Reid in anticipation of a larger role after this season.