Could Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell be persuaded to part ways with veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader in a deal with the Dallas Cowboys?

Now in the second year of his two-year, $22 million contract, Reader is coming off a strong campaign where he started 15 games and posted a career-best 3.0 sacks, along with 23 tackles, four of which were behind the line of scrimmage. He also tallied six hits on opposing quarterbacks and 11 pressures.

In a recent piece by Pro Football Focus, analyst Mason Cameron highlighted a key roster move each NFC team should still consider ahead of the 2025 season. For Dallas, Cameron emphasized the need to bolster the defensive interior — and named Reader as a perfect fit.

“While the Cowboys added Solomon Thomas this offseason, that move alone won’t solve their struggles stopping the run — an area where they ranked 30th in 2024,” Cameron explained on May 9. He added that Dallas should monitor Reader, who’s been rumored as a potential cap casualty in Detroit. Cameron praised Reader’s elite run-defense metrics, noting his 91st-percentile PFF grade in that category over the last three years.

If the Lions entertain offers, they shouldn’t expect a massive return. At age 31, and with a notable cap hit of nearly $13 million for 2025, Reader’s trade value likely sits around a Day 3 draft pick. However, his leadership and production make him a player Detroit may be reluctant to move.

From Dallas’ perspective, the fit is obvious. New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is implementing a 4-3 system that hinges on stopping the run and generating takeaways — two things Reader excels at. The veteran lineman’s presence could give star pass rusher Micah Parsons more freedom to attack off the edge, thanks to the interior disruption Reader provides.

Reader’s NFL Journey

Drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round in 2016, Reader quickly developed into one of the league’s more consistent interior defenders. He spent four years with Houston before signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, where he solidified his reputation as a run-stuffing anchor.

In Cincinnati, Reader emerged as a leader, even being named a team captain in 2022 and 2023. He played a pivotal role in the Bengals’ Super Bowl 56 appearance, delivering key plays in the AFC Championship Game, including a sack, a tackle for loss, and multiple hits on the quarterback.

After joining the Lions in free agency in 2024, Reader made his presence known despite recovering from a torn quad tendon sustained late in the previous season. His most dominant performance came in Week 13 against the Chicago Bears, when he racked up four tackles, two sacks, and three QB hits — a performance that earned him a game ball. Ironically, Eberflus was on the opposing sideline that day as Chicago’s head coach.

Reader’s ability to eat up blockers and draw double teams has been a major factor in boosting Detroit’s overall defensive front. His experience and leadership have also played a key role in mentoring the team’s younger talent.

While a potential trade to a fellow NFC contender may not be something the Lions are eager to pursue, Reader’s fit in Eberflus’ system could make the Cowboys seriously consider making a call to Detroit.