Kansas City Chiefs’ Hidden Gem: Why Justin Reid Is The NFL’s Most Underrated Star
Justin Reid has been a cornerstone for the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense since he joined the team via free agency before the 2022 season. Filling the significant gap left by Tyrann Mathieu, Reid has quickly become a leadership figure and a key player in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme. Despite his integral role within the team, Reid’s contributions often seem to fly under the radar when discussions turn to the Chiefs’ recent successful runs.
Pro Football Network’s Lorenzo Reyna recently highlighted Reid as Kansas City’s most underappreciated player. Reyna pointed to Reid’s versatility and his ability to make crucial plays, noting how instrumental he was in the Chiefs’ championship-winning season.
“Justin Reid played a pivotal role as the safety, amassing 95 tackles, three sacks from blitzes, and consistently being the player the Chiefs turned to for a crucial secondary blitz. Over the last two seasons, he’s also knocked down seven passes,” Reyna observed.
In his relatively short time with Kansas City, Reid has compiled an impressive stat line, including 178 tackles and 14 pass breakups. His coverage skills have progressively improved, allowing just 6.7 and 6.2 yards per target in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Furthermore, last season saw Reid achieve a personal best with a 6.9% missed tackle rate, the lowest in his career to date.
Reid’s performance has not only been stellar on the field but also impressive according to advanced metrics. During his initial season with the Chiefs, he earned a 73.2 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking him sixth among safeties across the entire NFL who clocked at least 1,000 snaps. His pass rush grade last year stood at an impressive 74.1, the third highest among safies who had at least 40 pass rush attempts, highlighting his critical role in the Chiefs’ defensive playbook.
Looking ahead, the 2024 season presents a significant financial and professional juncture for Reid. He will carry a career-high cap hit of $14.25 million, which will constitute 5.7% of the Chiefs’ salary cap. While his current contract’s average annual value places him just outside the top 10 safeties, a potential extension could elevate his financial standing among his peers.
Reid’s value to Kansas City transcends the numbers; his strategic understanding of the game, coupled with his athletic prime, makes him an indispensable part of the Chiefs’ defense. As the Chiefs gear up for the 2024 season, another standout year from Reid could finally shed the “underrated” tag, aligning his recognition with his undeniable impact on the field. Indeed, a successful season for Reid spells positive outcomes for the Chiefs’ defense under Spagnuolo, a scenario both the player and the team eagerly anticipate.
