The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with safety J.R. Reed on a one-year contract, the team announced Monday.
Reed (6-1, 194 pounds) is a third-year defensive back who entered the league as a college free agent out of Georgia with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. After failing to make Jacksonville’s 53-man roster, Reed landed with the Los Angeles Rams.
Reed, 26, played in seven games with the Rams in 2020, contributing mainly on special teams. He only played in one game in L.A. last season before going down to the practice squad.
Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero coached Reed with the Rams over the last two years, first as a safeties coach (2020) and later as a secondary coach/passing game coordinator (2021).
The New York Jets signed Reed off the L.A.’s practice squad last October and he went on to play in eight games with the Jets, totaling 13 tackles. He also played on 44% of New York’s special teams snaps in 2021.
In addition to providing depth at strong safety, Reed might also be a candidate to play in the slot.
J.R. is the son of former NFL wide receiver Jake Reed and the nephew of former NFL cornerback Dale Carter, who spent time in Denver.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
[vertical-gallery id=620142]