NFL free agency has already been eventful for the Kansas City Chiefs, and numerous moves have been made, particularly on the defensive end, with valuable players like Tershawn Wharton moving on to new teams.

The Chiefs’ secondary is undergoing major changes following the acquisition of former Los Angeles Chargers starting corner Kristian Fulton, and now another major change has reportedly taken place.

As expected, Kansas City will have a new starting duo at safety in 2025, based on Tuesday’s news.

Chiefs S Justin Reid Joins Tyrann Mathieu in New Saints Contract During Free Agency

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Reid agreed to a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, including $22.25 million guaranteed.

He’ll join ex-star Tyrann Mathieu, who just agreed to a contract restructuring, theoretically creating the cap space used to sign Reid. During his three seasons with the organization, Reid became a beloved figure in the community and locker room, helping lead the franchise to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances and two victories.

Interestingly enough, Mathieu and Reid both spent three years with the Chiefs before joining the Saints, suggesting some sort of lineage from the two teams.

Still just 28 years old, Reid likely still has great football ahead of him. His mental acumen and sharp instincts made him a favorite of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, so it hurts to see him go. Nonetheless, the recent high draft picks of Bryan Cook and Jaden Hicks always suggested this news was coming, so now Chiefs fan should be particularly surprised.

This contract makes it another year that general manager Brett Veach has not given an extension to a member of the secondary. Trent McDuffie is expected to change that, though it’s clear that Veach prefers to invest in youth with his defensive backs and isn’t interested in committing long-term to anyone above the age of 25 in that particular position.

Given Reid’s importance, this creates a big hole that either Cooks or Hicks has to fill. Otherwise, the Chiefs’ defense will be in major trouble despite still featuring stars.

Either way, Reid’s contributions will be fondly remembered, and he deserves the contract that he received.

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