The Montreal Alouettes released defensive back J.R. Reed on Monday, as noted on the CFL Transactions page.
Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 194 pounds, the 27-year-old from Frisco, Texas, initially signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2020. After being released on September 5, 2020, he joined the Los Angeles Rams, where he played eight games over one and a half seasons, recording two tackles.
Reed was released by the Rams on October 2, 2021, and subsequently signed with the New York Giants 24 days later. During his time with the Giants, he played eight games and made 13 tackles (5 solo, 8 assists). He later had stints with the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Detroit Lions.
On May 23, 2023, the Montreal Alouettes signed Reed as a free agent. In the 2023 season, Reed contributed 20 tackles, 11 special teams tackles, and one interception over 11 games, helping the Alouettes win the 110th Grey Cup championship against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In 2024, Reed was placed on the suspended list and did not play any games for the Alouettes.
During his collegiate career, Reed played one season at Tulsa in 2015, recording five tackles (2 solo, 3 assists) and one pass breakup in 13 games for the Golden Hurricanes. He then transferred to Georgia (2017-19), where he accumulated 199 tackles (107 solo, 92 assists), nine tackles for loss, three sacks, five interceptions for 48 yards, 19 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one blocked kick in 42 games. Reed earned accolades such as Walter Camp All-America First Team and Coaches’ All-SEC First Team in 2019, and Associated Press All-SEC Second Team in 2017.
