3. Justin Reid - Safety
Over the course of the last few weeks, Justin Reid went from someone that I thought was certainly gone after this year to a player I could see Kansas City extending. Not only has Reid become a vocal leader of this defense, but the new kickoff rules give him expanded value as a possible kickoff man.
Reid is slated to handle kickoffs for the Chiefs, which has multiple benefits. First, there's the obvious advantage of having a man who can tackle on the field under a rule system that incentivizes that. Second, Reid kicking off preserves Harrison Butker's health for field goals.
Reid's versatility essentially protects two positions, which makes him difficult to replace if Kansas City wants to move on.
Justin Reid was so good down the stretch and into the postseason last year. Quick adjusting, assignment sound, and head on a swivel at all times. pic.twitter.com/cFpQmyWQPH
— Daniel Harms🏈 (@InHarmsWay19) May 13, 2024
During his two years with the Chiefs, Reid has 178 tackles, 14 deflected passes, four sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. He's been a perfect replacement for Tyrann Mathieu, and I'm coming around to the idea of keeping him for a second contract.
Brett Veach has never given a member of the secondary an extension, and the Chiefs theoretically have a replacement in-house with Bryan Cook.
Nonetheless, Reid's versatility has made him at least worthy of consideration for an extension.