Cornerback D.J. Reed took to Twitter to share just how pumped he is about teaming up with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch in Detroit’s secondary.
Having been drafted by the 49ers in 2018, Reed went on to play for Seattle and then the Jets for the past three seasons. Now with the Lions, he’s clearly excited to be part of a young, talented defensive backfield.
And who can blame him? Playing alongside First-Team All-Pro Kerby Joseph and Pro Bowler Brian Branch is a dream situation for any veteran defensive back. The two safeties complement each other perfectly in Detroit’s secondary.
Joseph plays the role of a classic free safety—he’s athletic, has incredible range, and thrives in a centerfield-type role. Since entering the league in 2022, he’s shown elite tracking and ball skills, capped by nine interceptions in 2024. His coverage and tackling continue to improve as well.
Branch, on the other hand, is a versatile force. He made an immediate impact at Alabama under Nick Saban and has since proven many teams wrong for letting him slip past the first round in the 2023 NFL Draft. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard uses him all over the field—whether it’s in the box, outside, or covering the slot. It’s only a matter of time before Branch earns All-Pro honors too.
As Reed put it on Twitter: “I get to play with 2 elite safeties in Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. This secondary finna be lit.”
We feel the same way, D.J. Sometimes it really does feel surreal seeing Joseph and Branch suiting up for the Lions.
