The New York Jets have a choice to make before next week’s NFL trade deadline.

Likely out of reasonable playoff contention, the Jets could opt to trade off an asset like starting cornerback DJ Reed. Set to become a free agent this upcoming offseason, Reed has the potential to be an ideal rental for a contending team.

One can argue that Reed has performed noticeably better than two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner thus far this season, and his price tag continues to rise. Reed has logged 24 tackles and seven passes defensed over six starts. He’s limiting opposing receivers to an astonishingly low 2.6 yards per target.

“Right now, we’re 2-6, which is horrible. It’s horrible,” said Reed. “But my mindset is we can still win out. That’s my mindset, which might sound crazy to a lot of people.”

Despite Reed’s optimism, the odds are not in the Jets’ favor to make the playoffs or re-sign the cornerback. Reed is already making $11 million per year, and he’ll likely command a significant increase that the Jets may not be able to afford.

New York already has significant salary cap space dedicated to defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and slot cornerback Michael Carter II. Linebacker Quincy Williams, who was a 2023 All-Pro, is likely to demand a raise at some point. Then, defensive end Jermaine Johnson and Gardner will be up for new contracts. Running back Breece Hall is a free agent after 2025 and wide receiver Garrett Wilson is on the same timeline as fellow 2022 first-round picks Johnson and Gardner. 

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Instead of worrying about the salary cap gymnastics required to re-sign Reed, the Jets may be better off trading him away in exchange for draft capital. It’s a better option than letting him walk in free agency.

There’s also the remote possibility the Jets rent Reed to a contender and then make a play to bring him back in the offseason. Either way, New York would be best served to make a deal before Tuesday.

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