Loyalty often takes a backseat to financial security. That’s exactly what happened with Justin Reid, one of the Kansas City Chiefs’ most reliable defensive stars, who has decided to move on from Patrick Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl champions.
After playing a crucial role in Kansas City’s back-to-back championship runs, Reid has signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, with a massive $22.25 million fully guaranteed, according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
This move marks the end of an era for Kansas City’s defense. Reid was more than just a playmaker; he was a stabilizing force in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive schemes, working alongside leaders like Chris Jones and Nick Bolton to help mold the young core.
Source: Former Chiefs safety Justin Reid reached agreement today with the Saints on a three-year, $31.5 million deal, including $22.25 million fully guaranteed. Reid is returning home to Louisiana. pic.twitter.com/4Mr479wNWX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2025
Now, as he heads home to Louisiana, the Chiefs find themselves with yet another massive hole to fill—one that won’t be easy to patch up.
The Chiefs’ Defense: From Dominant to Depleted?
During the 2023 season, Kansas City’s defense was among the best in the league. They were fast, physical, and had the ability to shut down some of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. Their performance was so strong that Super Bowl LIX was billed as a defensive showdown rather than an offensive shootout. However, despite their defensive prowess, the Chiefs ultimately collapsed in the biggest game of the season, exposing weaknesses that they must now address in the offseason.
Justin Reid played an important role in the Chiefs’ defensive success. As a veteran safety, his ability to read plays, make clutch tackles, and guide younger defensive backs was invaluable. Without him, the secondary faces serious questions heading into the 2025 season.
Justin Reid’s Emotional Goodbye to Kansas City
Leaving a championship-winning team is never easy, and Reid made it clear that Kansas City holds a special place in his heart.
“I love Kansas City. I pray this isn’t the end, but if it is – I just want to say that I love and appreciate every single one of you that welcomed me and supported my family here. You are in my heart forever.”
His farewell message, shared shortly after the Super Bowl, was a heartfelt tribute to the city and its fans. But while emotions may have pulled him in one direction, money and long-term security ultimately led him back home. At 28 years old, Reid recognized that this might be his last major contract. Rather than waiting for a lower-paying deal to stay with the Chiefs, he made the pragmatic choice to secure his financial future with the Saints.
Patrick Mahomes Faces Another Offseason of Star Departures
With Reid’s departure, the Chiefs’ offseason exodus continues. Kansas City has already lost key players, including:
- Joe Thuney, the team’s MVP on the offensive line, who was traded to the Chicago Bears
- DeAndre Hopkins, who left to join a conference rival
- Travis Kelce, who even considered retirement before choosing to run it back for one final year
Losing players is part of the game, but losing core veterans all at once is a different challenge entirely. The Chiefs still have Patrick Mahomes, and as long as he’s under center, they’ll be contenders. However, the roster turnover means the road to Super Bowl LX is going to be a lot tougher than before.
Reid Joins an Old Friend in New Orleans
Reid’s decision to sign with the New Orleans Saints wasn’t just about money—it was also about reuniting with a familiar face. He’ll be teaming up with Tyrann Mathieu, the very player he replaced in Kansas City.
The Saints, under new head coach Kellen Moore, are looking to rebuild their defense, and adding two experienced safeties like Reid and Mathieu gives them instant credibility in the secondary.
New Orleans isn’t exactly known for having a stacked salary cap, but they managed to convince Reid to take what some are calling a “hometown discount.” His contract is structured so that after two seasons, he might be on the move again, but in the meantime, he gets to play in his home state and earn a big paycheck while doing it.
With one of their best defensive playmakers gone, the Chiefs must now find a suitable replacement—and fast. They could explore options in free agency, but with their cap space limitations, they might have to rely on the NFL Draft to find their next starting safety.
Despite the setbacks, Kansas City remains the team to beat in the AFC. However, losing veteran leadership on both sides of the ball could create chemistry issues early in the season. Can the Chiefs overcome these challenges and defend their crown? Or will this mass exodus finally catch up to them?
Wel, Reid got his money, the Saints got a star, and the Chiefs have some serious work to do before the 2025 season kicks off.