Ex-KC Defender Justin Reid Set to Align with Previous Chiefs Colleagues on New Orleans Saints
In the Big Easy, Justin Reid, a Baton Rouge native, reconnects with more than just his Louisiana roots after signing a $31.5 million, three-year contract, $22.25 million guaranteed, with the New Orleans Saints. The team is chock-full of former Kansas City Chiefs starters.
Tyrann Mathieu, a safety like Reid, tops the list as a familiar face. After all, Reid stepped in for Mathieu on the Kansas City Chiefs roster in 2022. When asked about his Kansas City days, Reid admitted he once aspired to be like Mathieu but quickly realized it was an unattainable goal: "There's no chance. I have no shot at being the next Tyrann Mathieu. There's no way I can do what he's done."
Reid and Mathieu have a shared history, having played together on the Houston Texans team. Plus, Justin's older brother, Eric, was Mathieu's LSU teammate, and the families remain close. Mathieu even took time out during Super Bowl LIX week to share fond memories of young Justin.
The Saints roster isn't just a trip down memory lane for Reid; it's like a Chiefs reunion, including defensive lineman Khalen Saunders, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling – though the latter three players are currently unrestricted free agents and could sign with other teams.
Defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon, another former Chiefs player, is also a free agent. While Mathieu is the most noteworthy connection to Reid, the Chiefs handpicked him to replace Mathieu, offering the same contract amount. The Chiefs-Reid partnership lasted three Super Bowl appearances, with two wins.
However, thesuccess didn't come at a cheap price for the Chiefs. With tight end Travis Kelce, defensive lineman Chris Jones and quarterback Patrick Mahomes all signed to multi-million dollar contracts, the Chiefs had limited cap space to offer Reid a renewed contract. The team already had promising young talent at the safety position, such as Bryan Cook, Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner, who filled in for both the nickel cornerback and safety positions.
Despite the loss, Reid held his head high during a media interview after the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX defeat. "I really hope that this isn't the last time putting on a Chiefs jersey and that I can come back with the team next year and avenge this. I want to keep on the legacy," he said. "But if it is the end, I'm still really proud of what we've done the last three years here."
Tyrann Mathieu, previously a teammate of Justin Reid on the Kansas City Chiefs, could potentially join him again in New Orleans, as the Saints have shown interest in acquiring Mathieu, following Reid's signing. Kpassagnon, another former Chiefs player, is also a free agent, but his salary demands might not align with the Saints' budget. The Chiefs offered Reid the same contract amount they had initially given Mathieu, reflecting theirhigh regard for him.
