One of the best nose tackles available as a free agency will play for the Detroit Lions. D.J. Reader, a free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals, is scheduled to visit Detroit on Thursday, according to various reports. Detroit’s front staff has already added defensive tackle Marcus Davenport and two cornerbacks during the permissible tampering period, but they may also try to recruit a veteran who played a key role in a team’s Super Bowl victory.
The 29-year-old played in 14 games the previous season and finished with 34 tackles, two tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, one sack, one pass defensed, and one fumble recovery. As reported by All Bengals, “There are other teams interested in Reader, but Detroit appears to be the favorite to snatch him from the Bengals and add him to their defensive line room.” The 6’3″, 335-pound Reader is renowned for his ability to stuff runs, but he is also a talented pass-rusher that goes unnoticed.
Aidan Hutchinson has become one of the best edge rushers, and Detroit’s defense has been trying to match him. Sadly, James Houston, an outside linebacker, sustained an injury that kept him out of action for most of the 2023 campaign. There are also plans for John Cominsky and Alim McNeill to return in 2024. Terrell Williams is the new defensive line coach for Detroit. By adding Reader, he would have another accomplished veteran to help Detroit’s postseason drive. Numerous elite defensive linemen have agreed to sign long-term, highly lucrative contracts.
Many fans who have bemoaned Brad Holmes’ lack of impact moves would be a little less upset about the team’s progress in free agency if Detroit were able to sign Reader.