D.J. Reader is heading into the second season of the two-year, $22 million contract he signed with the Detroit Lions during last year’s free agency period.
Reader started 15 games for the Lions in 2024, tallying 23 total tackles (including four for a loss), a career-best 3.0 sacks, six hits on the quarterback, and 11 pressures.
Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron recently outlined one final offseason move each NFC team should make. For the Cowboys, he proposed they acquire a “run-stuffing interior defender.” His top pick? Reader.
“Dallas added Solomon Thomas this offseason, but that doesn’t fully address their struggles in run defense, which ranked 30th with a grade of 48.0,” Cameron said on May 9. He also noted:
“The Cowboys have shown they’re willing to spend future draft picks and should keep an eye on new chances. Detroit’s D.J. Reader, once seen as a possible cut, could be a strong fit in Dallas through trade or if released. Over the last three seasons, he ranks in the 91st percentile for PFF run-defense grades.”
If the Lions were to entertain a trade, they wouldn’t receive major compensation. A Day 3 draft pick could likely get the job done. While Reader has value, turning 31 in July lowers his appeal. Still, the Lions probably value him too highly to deal him.
Should Dallas absorb what remains of his contract — a 2025 cap hit just under $13 million — he could prove quite useful. With Detroit perhaps getting a call, Reader fits a need on the Cowboys’ roster.
New Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus employs a 4-3 scheme that depends on strong run-stopping and forcing turnovers, which plays to Reader’s strengths. His ability to control gaps and collapse the pocket could free up Dallas’ edge rushers. Think of the help Micah Parsons could get.
Originally picked by the Houston Texans in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Reader developed into a top run-stopper in four seasons there. In 2020, he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Reader became a key figure on Cincinnati’s defensive line, known for his steady play and leadership. He served as team captain in 2022 and 2023 and played a vital role during the team’s Super Bowl 56 run, notching a sack, tackle for loss, and three QB hits in the AFC title game.
Just over a year ago, Reader joined the Lions in free agency.
Despite coming off a torn right quad tendon from late 2023, Reader made an early impact in Detroit. His best game came in Week 13 against the Chicago Bears: four tackles, 2.0 sacks, and three QB hits — earning him a game ball. Eberflus, then Chicago’s coach, had a close-up view.
Reader’s tendency to draw double teams has helped Detroit’s pass rush, and his leadership off the field has also uplifted teammates around him.
Given how critical a dominant 3-tech is in Eberflus’ defense, bringing in someone like Reader makes strategic sense for Dallas. However, the Lions might hesitate to trade him to a strong NFC rival like the Cowboys.
Beth Mishler-Elmore is a contributor to Heavy Sports based in the Midwest, with coverage focused on the NFL, NBA, and WNBA. More about Beth Mishler-Elmor
