Lions 2022 free agency: Does Justin Reid make sense as a target?

Justin Reid was a surprise inactive for the Texans on Sunday, so should the Lions have him on their list of 2022 free agent targets?

Not that the Houston Texans are trying hard to win games, but taking good players off the field reasons other than injury is not a good plan. Citing disciplinary reasons, defensive back Justin Reid was a surprise inactive for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Desmond King and Zach Cunningham were previously inactive for games this season due to the same labeled reason.

Reid cited the reason he was out on Sunday, citing (via Mark Berman of Fox 26) a “disagreement” during a team meeting while also saying he was surprised to be inactive. Texans head coach David Culley has at least been consistent with his player discipline in these circumstances, but it also reeks of likely player frustration and a sentiment of “how dare you call the coaches into question at all.”

Lions 2022 free agency: Justin Reid now on the radar?

Reid has played and started nine games for the Texans this season, with 42 total tackles, two interceptions, four pass breakups and a forced fumble. He came to Houston as a third-round pick in the 2018 draft, so this is the final year of his contract. Even if the Texans want to bring him back in the offseason, it’s safe to assume he won’t be going back.

The Lions have relied on a bunch of young players in the secondary this season, with some (Amani Oruwariye, Jerry Jacobs, AJ Parker) playing very well at times. But besides keeping safety Tracy Walker as he also heads toward free agency himself, adding people with more experience like Reid (53 games-49 starts right now) will be an order.

Reid can play both safety spots, and maybe even a little slot corner if need be. So he would seem to fit nicely for Detroit in a pairing with Walker, who has been revived by a new coaching staff and not being miscast playing so close to the line of scrimmage this season.

Falling out of favor with the Texans, to whatever degree it does or doesn’t continue, should not be a black mark for Reid when he hits the free agent market. If he wasn’t on the Lions radar already, he should be now for sure.