BREAKING: Justin Reid Nearly Went from Playing with Patrick Mahomes to Jalen Hurts After the Eagles Showed Serious Interest in Free Agency

In a stunning turn of events, Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid was reportedly just moments away from switching teams during the free agency period, with the Philadelphia Eagles showing serious interest in securing his services. The star safety, who has played alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs, was close to making a move to the NFC, where he would have joined quarterback Jalen Hurts and the defending NFC champions.

Reid, who has become a standout figure in the Chiefs’ secondary, was one of the most sought-after free agents in his position. His combination of size, speed, and intelligence made him a key asset to any team looking to strengthen their defense. While the Chiefs eventually managed to lock him down with a contract extension, reports suggest that the Eagles were heavily involved in discussions with Reid, and he was seriously considering a switch.

The Eagles’ Interest in Reid

The Philadelphia Eagles, coming off an NFC Championship appearance and a Super Bowl berth, were looking to bolster their defense after losing key players to free agency and retirement. Reid, with his ability to play multiple roles in the secondary, was seen as a perfect fit for the Eagles’ system. Sources close to the Eagles organization revealed that they were willing to make Reid one of the highest-paid safeties in the league in an effort to lure him away from Kansas City.

“The Eagles were very serious in their pursuit of Justin Reid,” an insider close to the negotiations said. “They saw him as a game-changing player who could elevate their already strong defense. With Jalen Hurts leading the offense, they felt that Reid could be the missing piece to make them an even stronger contender.”

Reid’s ability to play both safety and cover a variety of positions made him an especially appealing target for the Eagles. In addition to his excellent pass coverage and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, Reid is also known for his leadership on the field, an attribute that the Eagles valued highly.

Reid’s Connection to Mahomes and the Chiefs’ Pursuit to Retain Him

While the Eagles were making their move, Reid’s long-standing relationship with the Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes remained a major factor in his decision. Reid has been a key member of the Chiefs’ defense since his arrival in 2021, and his connection with Mahomes on and off the field has played a significant role in his success with the team.

In an interview earlier this offseason, Reid spoke about his bond with Mahomes and the special dynamic they share. “Patrick is not only an incredible quarterback but also a great leader and teammate,” Reid said. “We’ve built something special in Kansas City, and I’m proud to be a part of this team. We’re always pushing each other to be the best, and I can’t imagine playing anywhere else.”

Ultimately, it was this strong bond with Mahomes and the Chiefs’ winning culture that helped convince Reid to remain in Kansas City. The Chiefs quickly moved to secure Reid’s future with the team, offering him a lucrative deal to stay on board and continue contributing to their Super Bowl aspirations.

“We’re thrilled to keep Justin with us,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. “He’s a crucial part of our defense, and his leadership is invaluable. With his experience and ability to perform at the highest level, Justin is someone we want to build around for years to come.”

The Almost-Transfer and Reid’s Decision

As the negotiations between Reid’s camp and the Eagles continued, it seemed like the safety was genuinely torn between the Chiefs and a potential move to the Eagles. Both teams offered compelling reasons for Reid to make the switch, with the Eagles boasting a young, dynamic quarterback in Jalen Hurts and a defense that was already one of the best in the league.

“I was definitely tempted,” Reid admitted in a recent interview. “The Eagles were a team on the rise, and their defense had a lot of talent. Jalen Hurts is a fantastic leader, and I could have seen myself playing alongside him. But in the end, it came down to my connection with the Chiefs and the legacy we’ve built here. I’m committed to this team, and I want to help bring more championships to Kansas City.”

Ultimately, Reid chose to remain with the Chiefs, a decision that was welcomed by both Mahomes and the rest of the Kansas City organization. Mahomes, who had been in close contact with Reid throughout the process, expressed his excitement at the news. “I’m glad Justin is staying with us,” Mahomes said. “He’s an important part of our defense, and I’m excited to keep playing alongside him. We’ve got big goals ahead, and I know he’ll be a big part of that.”

The Eagles’ Response

While the Eagles were clearly disappointed to miss out on Reid, they have since turned their attention to other ways to strengthen their defense. The Eagles had a strong season in 2022, but with several key players departing, they have been aggressive in trying to fill those gaps through free agency and the draft. Despite missing out on Reid, the Eagles remain one of the most well-rounded teams in the league and will continue to be a serious contender in the NFC.

“We respect Justin’s decision to stay with the Chiefs, and we’ll continue to look for ways to improve our roster,” said an Eagles spokesperson. “We’re confident in our team and our coaching staff, and we know that we’re building something special here in Philadelphia.”

What’s Next for Justin Reid and the Chiefs?

With his future now secured in Kansas City, Reid will be looking to build on his successful tenure with the team. The Chiefs have become one of the most dominant franchises in recent years, and Reid’s presence on their defense is critical to their continued success. As they aim for another Super Bowl appearance, Reid will be a central figure in their efforts to remain at the top of the NFL.

For Reid, the decision to stay with the Chiefs was about more than just money or individual success—it was about continuing to be part of a championship-contending team and maintaining the strong bond he shares with Mahomes and the rest of the squad.

“I’m here for the long haul,” Reid said. “We’ve got a great thing going in Kansas City, and I’m ready to help us keep pushing toward our ultimate goal—another Super Bowl title.”

Conclusion: A Key Piece for the Chiefs’ Future

Justin Reid’s decision to remain with the Kansas City Chiefs is a victory for the franchise, and it secures one of the top safeties in the NFL for years to come. Despite serious interest from the Philadelphia Eagles, Reid’s connection with Mahomes and his role in the Chiefs’ defense were ultimately too important to leave behind. Now, with his future secured, Reid will be looking to help the Chiefs continue their dominance in the AFC and cement his place as one of the best defensive players in the league.