At first glance, the Washington Commanders may not appear to need additional help on their defensive line.

The team already has Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Jer’Zhan Newton returning, while also adding Tim Settle during free agency this offseason.

However, Washington is coming off a season in which its run defense ranked among the worst in the NFL. Payne, Newton, and Kinlaw all struggled significantly when it came to stopping the run in 2025.

Based on last season’s performance, Settle was arguably the most effective run defender among the group. Even so, his run-defense grade was only 61.3 according to Pro Football Focus, which is considered average. Historically, his production in that area has often been below that level throughout his career.

Considering these issues, it would not be surprising if Washington continues to strengthen its defensive front, especially since the franchise still has considerable salary cap flexibility.

That possibility is supported by Paul Connor of Sports Grid, who believes the Commanders could pursue former Detroit Lions defensive lineman D. J. Reader. Reader recently finished a two-year, $22 million deal with the NFC North team.

Connor noted that Reader remains one of the league’s most reliable run-stopping defensive tackles. The veteran played in all 17 games during the 2025 season and is likely to attract interest for a short-term contract. He also pointed out that Washington finished 30th in run defense last year, meaning head coach Dan Quinn may want a powerful, space-eating nose tackle to help rebuild the defensive front.

Now further removed from a major injury, Reader showed improvement in 2025 by earning a 68.9 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus. That mark would surpass the run-defense grades of the Commanders’ current interior linemen, and Reader has previously proven capable of elite run-stopping play.

Due to his age and limited pass-rush production, Spotrac estimates Reader could land a two-year deal worth around $7.7 million in free agency—an amount Washington could comfortably afford.

If the Commanders bring him in, they could create strong competition along the defensive line. Another option would be moving one of their current players in a trade to make room for the experienced veteran.

In any case, adding Reader is a move Washington may seriously want to evaluate.