The 2025 league year is just around the corner, and the Kansas City Chiefs will have a tough decision to make with impending free agent safety Justin Reid. Originally entering the league with the Houston Texans in 2018, the Stanford product joined the Chiefs in 2022 and became a featured part of the defense. Winning two Super Bowls while appearing in another, the safety finished the 2024 season with 87 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, two quarterback hits, two interceptions, nine passes defended, and a 78.2 PFF grade, the 11th-best mark in the league.
The Chiefs have had one of the most talented rosters in football for the past few years, but the salary cap prevents organizations from hoarding talent indefinitely. With Justin Reid set to test the open market, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reported the Chiefs were “unlikely” to retain the free agent, per the Only Weird Games podcast.
It’s unlikely the #Chiefs re-sign safety Justin Reid, per @ByNateTaylor on Only Weird Games.#KCSN | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/y8ioF7C2BB
— KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) March 4, 2025
REPORT: Chiefs Expected to Lose Free Agent Justin Reid
Frankly, this report doesn’t come as much of a surprise. When the Chiefs used the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith, they effectively sacrificed the ability to make any other major signings. While the Joe Thuney trade will clear up their books, they must still restructure a few contracts and cut a few players before they even consider signing Justin Reid as a free agent.
The cash-strapped Chiefs might be unable to retain Justin Reid, but the safety should have a major market as a free agent. While all 32 teams would love to have a player like him on the roster, the following three organizations are the best fits.
Possible Fits
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers spent the 2024 season building their offensive foundation. The mission was a success, as Bryce Young played well down the stretch behind an improved offensive line and surrounded by promising young pass-catchers. Now, it’s time for the team to rebuild the defense. While the front seven is the biggest need, this team could still use some help in the backfield. Justin Reid won’t be the highest-paid free agent, but he should earn a hefty payday. Fortunately, the Panthers have $29.8 million in cap space and should be able to sign him without sacrificing their ability to reinforce the defensive line.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have one of the game’s best safeties in Jessie Bates. Unfortunately, they gambled and lost on a rebounding Justin Simmons, as the longtime Bronco struggled to adapt to his new environment. Now a free agent himself, the Falcons could part ways with Simmons and upgrade the position with Justin Reid. Atlanta has a promising offense full of young playmakers, but it won’t mean anything if they cannot fix this below-average defense.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens love safeties, but they never found a proper starter opposite Kyle Hamilton last year. While the former first-round pick remains one of the best at his position, Marcus Williams had a disastrous season and Eddie Jackson had nothing left in his tank. While Ar’Darius Washington played well down the stretch, he doesn’t have a large track record of success and is a free agent himself. Washington will be cheaper, but Reid is a safer bet to play well in 2025 and beyond.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke – Imagn Images
