The Philadelphia Eagles have seen a lot of turnover on the roster. Key contributors like Milton Williams. Josh Sweat, Mekhi Becton, Milton Williams, Isaiah Rodgers, and Darius Slay have all signed elsewhere.
The biggest surprise was when the Eagles traded Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans in exchange for Kenyon Green.
With a dependable member in the secondary gone, Justin Reid revealed on the "Up & Adams" Show that he was close to signing with the Eagles.
Justin Reid was "pretty close" to signing with the Eagles in free agency after just facing them in the Super Bowl with the Chiefs. 😳@heykayadams | @JustinqReid | @Eagles pic.twitter.com/Wypj4Vs5SI
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 17, 2025
Justin Reid Was Close to Joining the Eagles in Free Agency
Adams said that Reid was considering joining the New Orleans Saints (the team he signed with), Tennessee Titans, and Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. Adams added that once the Eagles traded Gardner-Johnson, she thought it was a done deal.
The 28-year-old gave multiple reasons why the Eagles were considered a logical destination. First off, Reid said that he and defensive backs coach Christian Parker had a good relationship. Secondly, the defensive scheme that Philadelphia runs is very similar to what Reid played in during his college days at Stanford. Lastly, the conversations between both sides were "intense" but couldn't progress cause Philadelphia had limited cap space.
Reid ultimately signed with the New Orleans Saints on a three-year, $31.5 million that included $22 million guaranteed.
While the addition didn't happen, it would have been a great one for the Birds. Reid is a rangy defender over the top who can also be a productive player in the box. He's played the last three years with the Kansas City Chiefs. In 49 games in KC, Reid finished with 265 total tackles, 12 TFLs, 23 pass deflections, and three interceptions. During his time there, he secured two Super Bowl championships.
He's also faced off against the Eagles twice in the Super Bowl, going 1-1.
Reid would have been the perfect fit in Philadelphia and been an ideal replacement for Gardner-Johnson. It didn't come to fruition, as Philadelphia had to negotiate with limited cap space. Reid opted for a larger deal while heading back to his home state of Louisiana.
No one can really blame him for that but Philadelphia was a dark horse in his sweepstakes.