Chiefs’ $31.5 Million Super Bowl Champion Justin Reid Regrets Leaving Team for Saints Deal

Kansas City, MO – March 30, 2025, 01:15 PM PDT

Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid, who inked a 3-year, $31.5 million deal with the New Orleans Saints this offseason, is reportedly second-guessing his departure from the two-time Super Bowl champs, sources told ESPN on Sunday. The 2022 free-agent signing, a cornerstone of Chiefs Kingdom’s defense, now finds himself yearning for the winning culture and brotherhood he left behind.

Reid, 28, joined the Chiefs from the Houston Texans on a 3-year, $31.5 million contract in 2022, quickly becoming a defensive linchpin with 265 tackles, 23 passes defended, and 3 interceptions across three seasons. His versatility and clutch play helped secure Super Bowl titles in 2022 and 2023, earning him a Pro Football Focus grade of 78.4 in 2024 (15th among safeties). But with Kansas City’s $65 million cap space tied up in stars like Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, the Chiefs couldn’t match the Saints’ offer, which includes $22.25 million guaranteed.

“I figured the fresh start and money would outweigh everything, but I didn’t realize how much I’d miss KC,” Reid reportedly confided to a former teammate, per ESPN sources. The Saints, flush with $84 million in cap space, are building around ex-Chiefs like Tyrann Mathieu and Willie Gay Jr., but their 5-12 record in 2024 pales next to the Chiefs’ dynasty vibe. Reid’s exit also netted Kansas City a projected 2026 fourth-round compensatory pick, which GM Brett Veach could flip for future assets.

Chiefs fans still feel the sting. “KC was home—wish it worked out,” Reid posted on X after the move. For now, the Super Bowl champ’s chasing a new legacy in New Orleans, but his heart, it seems, lingers with the red and gold.