The Detroit Lions have just one game left in a season that failed to meet expectations, and once it concludes, the organization will face several major offseason choices.

After being officially knocked out of playoff contention by the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas, Detroit is now turning its attention to roster decisions. Among the most notable is the future of a veteran defensive tackle who carries a $27 million price tag and may not be back despite wanting to remain with the team.

Uncertain Future for DJ Reader in Detroit
Sports Illustrated contributor John Maakaron recently examined the Lions’ upcoming unrestricted free agents, highlighting the challenges facing general manager Brad Holmes after years of carefully assembling a championship-caliber roster.

One of the key names on that list is defensive tackle DJ Reader, who signed a two-year, $27 million deal with Detroit before the 2024 season. Maakaron suggested that Reader’s time with the Lions could be coming to an end, even though the veteran has been vocal about his interest in staying.

“I really enjoy being here—the players, the coaches, everything,” Reader said in comments reported by the Detroit Free Press. “But free agency is unpredictable, and the team has other priorities. You never know how it’s going to work out, but I’ve loved my experience here.”
Reader started 31 games across two seasons and totaled 51 tackles.

While he recorded three sacks during the Lions’ impressive 15–2 campaign in 2024, his pass-rush impact dropped off in 2025, when he finished the season without a sack.
Why Reader’s Impact Goes Beyond the Box Score
Although Reader’s individual statistics may not stand out, his importance to a defense often doesn’t show up in traditional numbers.

His primary role has been absorbing blockers and creating opportunities for others to make plays.
Former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who previously coached Reader in Cincinnati, emphasized just how difficult it is to replace a player like him.

“D.J. brings things you can’t easily quantify,” Anarumo explained at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to Bengals Talk. “He’s a leader in the locker room and a force inside. He consistently handles double teams, holds his ground, and frees up teammates. When you don’t have someone like that, it causes problems across the defense.”

Even so, Detroit may choose to allocate its resources elsewhere. The Lions struggled to consistently pressure quarterbacks, particularly after star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending injury in 2024.

After a frustrating 2025 campaign that ended with three straight losses and no playoff berth, the Lions could be looking for changes—and that may include parting ways with Reader despite his less-visible contributions.