Ex-Lions Star Linked With AFC Franchise Ahead Of New Season
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 28: Detroit Lions defensive end DJ Reader 98 takes the field prior to the Detroit Lions versus the Cleveland Browns game on Sunday September 28, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 28 Browns at Lions EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2582025092800633
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 28: Detroit Lions defensive end DJ Reader 98 takes the field prior to the Detroit Lions versus the Cleveland Browns game on Sunday September 28, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 28 Browns at Lions EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2582025092800633
Even though the NFL season is still months away, experts are looking at where the best remaining free agents should play. And Ex-Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader is on their radar.
As per Bradley Locker from Pro Football Focus, Reader would be a perfect fit for the AFC West Division's Las Vegas Raiders.
Although Reader is 31 years old and ranked as the 21st best free agent available, he is still considered a high-quality player who can help a team immediately.
The Raiders have a big gap in the middle of their defense because they didn't pick a defensive tackle during the initial rounds of the recent draft.
Instead, they chose a defensive back, which left them still searching for someone strong to play on the inside of their line. Bringing in a veteran like Reader would solve that problem and give the team much-needed size and power.
Looking at his last year's stats. Reader appeared in all 17 games and logged 578 snaps. While he didn't record any sacks, he remained a consistent threat in the backfield with 20 quarterback pressures and 28 total tackles.
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 28: Detroit Lions defensive end DJ Reader 98 takes the field prior to the Detroit Lions versus the Cleveland Browns game on Sunday September 28, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 28 Browns at Lions EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2582025092800624
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 28: Detroit Lions defensive end DJ Reader 98 takes the field prior to the Detroit Lions versus the Cleveland Browns game on Sunday September 28, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 28 Browns at Lions EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2582025092800624
If he joins Las Vegas, he would play alongside superstar Maxx Crosby, forming a very dangerous duo. However, Reader might want to join a team that is closer to winning a Super Bowl. Still, the Raiders remain a great landing spot for his talents.
Who Else is Interested in DJ Reader
Reader is 31 years old and will be playing his 11th season. While the Lions are comfortable letting him walk, the New York Giants are reportedly interested in taking him in, as per analyst Jordan Schultz
“My understanding is the #Giants are still very much in the mix for DT DJ Reader…. But, they have real competition for him. The signings of Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu today won’t have an impact on the Giants’ pursuit of Reader.”
The Giants view the veteran as a critical piece to fix their struggling run defense. Despite a quiet 2025 in Detroit following recovery from a torn quad tendon, his proven ability to anchor the interior makes him a top priority.
If Reader signs with the Giants, he won't have to wait long for a reunion. The Lions host the Giants this season, giving Reader a chance to test his former team’s offensive line.
Do you think Reader would be a good fit for the Giants?
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Written by
Aaindri Thakuri
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi