Reed was Sauce Gardner’s partner-in-crime in the secondary, culminating in one of the best cornerback duos in the NFL.

Unfortunately for the white and green, Reed left for greener pastures in the form of the Detroit Lions, who signed Reed to a three-year, $48 million contract.

While it didn’t come as a surprise that Reed left the team, as the Jets likely wouldn’t have been able to afford him. What was surprising to some, however, was how big his contract was.

Reed was largely projected to make upwards of $50 million. Because of this, Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano listed Reed’s contract as one of the best values of the offseason.

“D.J. Reed, CB, Detroit Lions (three years, $48 million),” Manzano said.

“It was a bit surprising that Reed didn’t see similar contract details as Carlton Davis III and Charvarius Ward, who both signed for three years and $60 million.

Perhaps teams were concerned about Reed benefiting from playing with Sauce Gardner in New York the past three years.

But even if Reed is better suited as a No. 2 cornerback, he could end up being a better player than Ward and Davis because of the supporting cast in Detroit.”

“The versatile Brian Branch makes life easier for his teammates in the secondary.

And cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. could find their footing after rocky rookie seasons.

Also, Davis struggled in the Lions’ man-heavy defensive scheme last season. It was a win for the Lions to swap Reed for Davis, with the former making $4 million less when it comes to the average annual salary.”

The Jets’ replacement for Reed seems to be Brandon Stephens, whose contract has not received praise for its value.

In his three years with the Jets, Reed started 46 games.

He came away with two interceptions, 32 pass deflections, a pair of forced fumbles, and 220 tackles. Seven of his tackles went for loss, including a sack.

Reed will be joining a Lions defense that has been one of the NFL’s best over the past two seasons.