Exclusive | Jets D.J. Reed seeks stable organization as he hits free agency again

Three years ago, free agency was all about money for D.J.Reed. The cornerback came to the Jets on a three-year, $33 million contract to secure income for his family after spending four years on the West Coast with the 49ers and Seahawks. As the 28-year-old is about to head into his second free-agency period, he is feeling “less stressed” about his pay and, instead, will be putting more weight into whether his next home is a “stable” and “healthy” organization. “Obviously, in this league, it’s about winning,” Reed told The Post on Thursday.

“But, you could go to a good organization, you think is a good organization, and the year you go there, they’re not winning.I think it’s deeper than just winning.

I think it’s just being in a stable organization that has a winning culture and just being in a good environment, a healthy environment.I think that’s the most important thing for me is just to have a good mental space.

I know if I have that, I’ll be able to dominate whoever is in front of me.” Reed’s wallet is tight heading into the offseason as the Jets extended Michael Carter II to a three-year, $30.75 million deal on Sept.3, and the team will likely save money for a Sauce Gardner extension that can start to be negotiated following the 2024 season. Since training camp, Reed has made his intentions clear about exploring free agency, and he reaffirmed those Monday to Go Long reporter Tyler Dunne, saying he is “ready to go to free agency.”The comment received a lot of backlash, many viewing the seven-year player as having one foot already out the door ahead of the final game of the season. When asked about the statement, Reed told The Post, “It was an honest answer, and I don’t have any regrets about it.” “I feel like everybody made a big deal of that comment.

But, you know, I said that on the podium during training camp, that I’m going to go in free agency.So, for me to say I’m looking forward to free agency ...