Former Alabama star Jarran Reed discusses new role with Green Bay Packers

Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Jarran Reed signed a one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers this offseason, and the former Alabama Crimson Tide standout believes he’s poised for a breakout season in his new team’s defensive scheme.

“I feel I can play anywhere, especially in this defensive scheme,” Reed said following minicamp practice last week. “I don’t like to have limitations on my game. I like to be able move around, to be mobile up and down the line.”

In six total seasons, Reed has appeared in 89 games, making 89 starts. During that time, he’s amassed 225 total tackles, 24.5 career sacks, including a career-high 10.5 in 2018, plus three more sacks that same postseason.

Before coming to the league, Reed spent two seasons at Alabama after a stint at East Mississippi Community College. the 6-foot-3, 307-pounder had 111 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and 7 pass deflections. That success helped him become a second-round pick (No. 49 overall) to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2016 NFL Draft.

After spending five seasons in Seattle and one with the Kansas City Chiefs, Reed signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Packers this offseason. He’ll only be 30 years old in December, so he should have a few good years left in him if opportunities continue to arise.

“I’ve got plenty left in the tank,” he said. “I’ve got things I want to accomplish myself. Hopefully I can get those things, but overall I want to leave this thing with a Super Bowl ring. That’s what we’re chasing.”

In his six seasons in the league, Reed’s teams have gone to the playoffs five times, but a Super Bowl berth has continued to allude him. When he got the call for an opportunity with the Packers – a Super Bowl contender – it was a no-brainer.

One of the main reasons for the Packers’ return to title contention can be chalked up solely to reigning two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. Playing alongside Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes, Reed knows the importance of keeping the defensive off the field.

“12’s 12. He’ll do what he do,” Reed said. “It’s on us to give him the ball. That’s all we’re trying to do.”