BREAKING: $27 Million Top Pass Rusher Signs Contract With Detroit Lions

Experienced defensive tackle D.J. Reader has reached an agreement on a contract with the Detroit Lions. Reader, an eight-year NFL veteran, previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals for the past four seasons.

BREAKING: Free agent DT D.J. Reader is signing with the #Lions on a 2-year deal worth up to $27.25M, sources tell @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/mMqsmt7iSj

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 14, 2024

D.J. Reader and the Detroit Lions have reached a contract agreement

Originally drafted in the fifth round by the Houston Texans from Clemson in the 2016 NFL Draft, Reader began as a defensive end. He had an impressive rookie year with 22 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack, contributing to the Texans’ playoff run with three tackles, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit, and a sack in two games.

Transitioning to his second season in Houston, Reader started all 14 games he played in, recording 47 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and six quarterback hits in 2017. The following season, 2018, he played all games, garnering 33 tackles, five tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and two sacks.

His most remarkable season statistically was in 2019, his final year with the Texans, where he achieved career highs with 52 tackles, six tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks. This outstanding performance led to his departure from the Texans, ultimately signing a lucrative four-year, $53 million deal with the Bengals, making him the highest-paid nose tackle in the NFL.

Reader faced challenges in his first year with the Bengals due to a season-ending torn quad after only five games, tallying 19 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit. However, he played a crucial role in the Bengals’ Super Bowl run in 2021, showcasing his skills with 43 tackles, three tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, and two sacks in 15 games, adding 12 tackles, three tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and a sack during the playoffs.

Throughout the 2022 season, Reader dealt with a knee injury that sidelined him for part of the year. Despite this setback, he managed to record 27 tackles, a tackle for loss, and five quarterback hits. Unfortunately, his 2023 season ended prematurely with another torn quad injury three weeks before completion, concluding the season with 34 tackles, two tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, and a sack.

Though known for his exceptional run-stopping abilities and contributions to the Bengals’ defense, Reader has surprisingly never received Pro Bowl honors despite being regarded as one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL