The Jets’ secondary will play a key role in the team’s ability to deliver on expectations in 2024. That unit includes Michael Carter for the foreseeable future, and the same will no doubt be true of Sauce Gardner. Whether or not fellow corner D.J. Reed stays with New York beyond the coming season will not be learned for several months, however. 
Reed is a pending free agent as he prepares to play out the final season of his three-year, $33MM contract. That pact has proven to offer solid value from the Jets’ perspective, as the 27-year-old has served as a full-time starter and consistent contributor in coverage. With a Gardner mega-extension looming as early as next spring, though, Reed confirmed he will test the market in March before deciding on his next move.
“I’m going to go to free agency,” the Kansas State product said (via ESPNs Rich Cimini). “I’m focused on just handling my business, taking it one game at a time, ultimately winning, getting to the playoffs, making a push for a Super Bowl run, and then just seeing what happens after that.”
Reed hinted in June that he would wind up in free agency after playing out the 2024 season. As of that point, no extension talks had taken place, and no updates on that front have emerged since. The Carter deal makes him one of three slot corners averaging over $10MM per season, and a new pact for Gardner will move him near or atop the pecking order for outside players. Patrick Surtain and Jalen Ramsey moved the top of that market to (and then slightly beyond) $24MM per year, giving Gardner a target on his extension.
Keeping Carter and Gardner in the fold will make it challenging to also retain Reed. The former fifth-rounder has recorded one interception and one forced fumble during each of his Jets campaigns, adding 21 pass deflections during that time. Reed allowed two touchdowns and nearly identical passer ratings (81.9, 81.6) in coverage across the past two years, and a similar campaign is expected in 2024.
Another steady season would boost Reed’s stock and generate a market of outside suitors. He has expressed a desire to re-sign with the Jets, but that will not happen before he gauges his value as a free agent.
gotta commend Reed for not being Reddickulous about the last year of his contract, being a man and playing it out. GMs will love the guys work ethic and professionalism as much as they love his on-the-field skills. There’s no doubt in my mind he will have a great year and get a fat next contract.