The Detroit Lions' significant roster and coaching turnover this year poses a major challenge to the two-time defending NFC North champions, who are hoping to fend off quality teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers.
Their defense faltered down the stretch in 2024, ultimately imploding in an embarrassing playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. Detroit recognized the need to improve the interior of the defense. They selected Ohio State standout defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling a desire to give Aidan Hutchinson a true running mate.
However, that action seemingly suggests that one 30-year-old veteran is on the chopping block.
Lions DT D.J. Reader Could be Traded by Training Camp
Defensive tackle D.J. Reader, who notched three sacks in 15 starts during his first year with the organization last year, is the incumbent at Williams' position. The duo could theoretically work alongside each other or in a rotation, though the Lions stand to save a fair chunk of change if they move the former Houston Texan and Cincinnati Bengal.
Reader ranked 55th out of 219 qualified interior defensive linemen at Pro Football Focus. That's a strong grade, though he's owed just under $13 million in 2025 following a two-year, $22 million deal, and will be an unrestricted free agent afterwards. It'd make sense for Detroit to recoup some value instead of losing him for nothing, especially with his replacement already on the team.
The Lions were 19th in opponent yards per rush (4.5) with Reader up the middle, and Williams projects as a stout run-defender with strong disruptive traits. From a theoretical perspective, the best version of Detroit's defense likely includes more Williams snaps than Reader ones.
In all likelihood, Reader won't be traded. However, if Williams impressed the coaching staff and front office enough in his limited action (due to injury) during OTAs, it'd make sense to listen to calls on Reader. We'll see what happens, but it's now a storyline to watch moving forward.