Ranking Seahawks top-four free agents in order of who must be re-signed

Number 3: D.J. Reed

D.J. Reed has undoubtedly been the Seahawks best cornerback for the last year and a half. Not only has he been Seattle’s best corner; He has been one of the best corners in the NFL over that same time. In 2021, Pro Football Focus graded Reed as the 8th best CB in the league in 2021.

Reed is great in coverage but he is exceptional in run support too. Per PFF, Reed was the 5th best corner in the NFL in run defense this year. Reed missed just 7.1 percent of his attempted tackles this year and missed just 3.1 percent in 2020. Having a corner who can play the run almost as well as the pass is a must in a Pete Carroll system.

But let me not mislead you into thinking Seattle needs Reed back simply because he is great in run support. Reed is excellent against the pass. He tied for the team-lead in passes defended with 10 this year. He had 2 interceptions as well which tied for second on the team. With a better defensive coordinator (which Seattle will have in 2022), Reed should be even better.

Reed isn’t afraid to be aggressive but Ken Norton, Jr.’s poor idea of a defense didn’t allow Reed to be aggressive. Norton, Jr. wanted to have the CBs play back a bit as to not get beat deep. Reed could have had more interceptions if he had been allowed to be himself. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets 5 picks in 2022 if he is re-signed in Seattle.