The NFL free agency frenzy is in full swing, and deals are flying in thick and fast as teams gear up for the 2025 season. The Kansas City Chiefs have been busy making moves, but not all of them will sit well with fans. While they’ve secured some new talent, they’re also saying goodbye to key players who helped them on their recent Super Bowl runs.
One of the biggest departures is safety Justin Reid, who’s heading back home to Louisiana after agreeing to a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the New Orleans Saints. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the contract includes a hefty $22.25 million in guaranteed money—so it’s safe to say Reid is cashing in on his time in Kansas City.
For Saints fans, this is a reunion of sorts, as Reid will now share the field with Tyrann Mathieu, another former Chiefs veteran. The timing is bittersweet for Reid, though. Just weeks ago, he was battling it out in Super Bowl LIX, only to fall short with the Chiefs. Now, he’ll be looking to make the Superdome his new fortress.
Reid had a solid final season in Kansas City, racking up 81 tackles—55 of them solo—along with two interceptions. He was a key piece in the Chiefs’ defensive setup, especially in the playoffs, where his aggressive play often rattled opposing quarterbacks. More than just his on-field presence, he was also a leader in the locker room, mentoring younger players in the secondary.
His three-year stint with the Chiefs saw him notch up some impressive stats: three interceptions, four sacks, and 265 tackles across 51 regular-season games. But what made him a true fan favourite was his unexpected role as an emergency kicker when Harrison Butker was unavailable. Even if slightly unconventional, that versatility made him stand out even more.
While Chiefs fans will surely miss his presence, Reid’s homecoming to Louisiana marks an exciting new chapter for both him and the Saints. And with a solid contract in place, he’s set to have a majorly impact on their defense. As for Kansas City? They’ll have to regroup and fill the void left by yet another key departure.