Super Bowl LIX could be unsung starter's last game in a Chiefs uniform as he is set to hit free agency in offseason
While quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive tackle Chris Jones get most of the limelight for the Chiefs, safety Justin Reid has been a pivotal part of the team over the last three years. Reid has brought a veteran presence and leadership to a very young secondary. He has also been highly […]
While quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive tackle Chris Jones get most of the limelight for the Chiefs, safety Justin Reid has been a pivotal part of the team over the last three years.
Reid has brought a veteran presence and leadership to a very young secondary. He has also been highly productive, recording 265 total tackles, three interceptions, 23 passes defensed, four sacks, and one forced fumble during his tenure in Kansas City.
As the Chiefs prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, it could be Reid's last game with the team. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, and there has not been a lot of chatter about him returning to K.C.
That doesn't mean it won't happen, but the Chiefs have several decisions to make on some key pieces of their team – such as guard Trey Smith, linebacker Nick Bolton, and DT Charles Omenihu.
Another consideration is cornerback Trent McDuffie, defensive end George Karlaftis, and running back Isiah Pacheco will be eligible to receive contract extensions in the offseason. The Chiefs can't realistically retain all of those guys, leading to a tough resolution of how to move forward.
It would certainly be a blow for K.C. to lose Reid. While speaking to the media on Wednesday, coach Andy Reid had much praise for his veteran safety.
"Yeah, well, he's got a good name," Reid joked. "You know, Justin's a smart kid and a heck of a football player. Very tough. He'll come up and introduce himself to you aggressively. But most of all, he's a good football player, and he's got the aptitude to take all the stuff in that Spags (defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) throws at him. And then he's able to make the calls back there and kind of get everybody going in the right direction."
There is a silver lining if the Chiefs do decide to part ways with Justin Reid. Fellow safeties Bryan Cook and Jaden Hicks have played very well and could make for a solid starting tandem. K.C. made the difficult decision to let Tyrann Mathieu leave at the end of the 2021 season, and everything worked out fine. At just 27-years-old, Reid still has plenty of good football left in him.
