The Detroit Lions have been very active this offseason, with new moves making headlines almost daily. One such move came on March 18, when the team officially signed linebacker Damone Clark. However, while they’ve added talent, they’ve also allowed some players to leave in free agency—one of whom could soon land with a rival team.

It’s a reality in the NFL that teams can’t retain every player each year. As contracts expire and player value rises, managing the salary cap becomes critical. After restructuring quarterback Jared Goff’s contract, Detroit currently has about $35 million in cap space heading into the 2026–27 season, according to Over the Cap. Still, that figure continues to fluctuate with each new signing.

Following their final game of the 2025–26 season against the Chicago Bears, head coach Dan Campbell reflected on the team’s chemistry and core group. While he expressed confidence in the foundation already in place, he acknowledged that some adjustments are necessary moving forward.

He noted that the team’s most dependable players consistently delivered, reinforcing his belief in the roster’s core. At the same time, he admitted that improvements would require collective changes to help the team reach its full potential.

When free agency officially opened on March 11, the Lions decided to move on from defensive tackle DJ Reader. Reader initially signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020 before joining Detroit in 2024 on a two-year, $27.25 million contract.

With his contract now expired, Reader is exploring new opportunities—and the Dallas Cowboys have emerged as a potential destination. In a March 18 article for CBS Sports, Garrett Podell suggested several free agents the Cowboys should consider, including the 31-year-old defensive lineman.

Podell pointed out that Dallas needs additional depth at defensive tackle after recent roster changes, and described Reader as a reliable veteran who started every game for Detroit last season. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 330 pounds, he could be a solid addition to their defensive front.

During his time with the Lions, Reader started 32 games and recorded 51 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, and three sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, his performance was solid, though not among the league’s elite.

Reader also addressed his free agency approach during a March 9 appearance on “Up & Adams” with Kay Adams. When asked if he had reached out to Lions general manager Brad Holmes, he said he hadn’t, explaining that initiating contact could weaken his negotiating position.