It's been one week since the NFL's negotiating period opened, allowing a ton of movement to happen around the league. The Lions have made multiple additions, while also seeing several players leave town, but some former players have yet to find a new home.
One of those names is well-known defensive tackle D.J. Reader. He spent two seasons in the Motor City after inking a two-year, $27.25 million deal in 2024, yet it hasn't translated to a new deal in 2026.
Former Lions DT D.J. Reader Is Still on the Free Agent Market
During his time with the Lions, Reader started in 32 games, logging 51 total tackles, four TFLs, 12 QB hits, and three sacks. Based on his grades from Pro Football Focus, Reader was a solid defender in the middle of the defensive front, but wasn't a game-changer.
Season | Overall Grade | Pass Rush Grade | Run Defense Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
2024 | 65.4 (39th among 132 graded defensive linemen) | 64.6 (50th among 132 graded defensive linemen) | 61.0 (35th among 132 graded defensive linemen) |
2025 | 68.9 (30th among 134 graded defensive linemen) | 72.6 (21st among 134 graded defensive linemen) | 61.7 (36th among 134 graded defensive linemen) |
Despite that, Reader hasn't been able to land a new job just yet. Especially since his run defense took a dip in 2025. On March 9, Reader was a guest on Up & Adams hosted by Kay Adams on FanDuel TV, where he made pitches to some prospective teams.
When discussing his hometown team, the Carolina Panthers, Reader said, "That's a good team, man. I'd love to go home."
He was then asked if he reached out to general manager Brad Holmes, but replied no before suggesting, "I feel like you give away any negotiated power if you’re the one reaching out, trying to see."
And with the interview occurring on March 9, it appears that nothing has changed on that front. But Reader hasn't found any other suitors, either, which makes one wonder whether his negotiating tactics are working in his favor.
The Lions have a trio of Levi Onwuzurike, Tyleik Williams, and Alim McNeill at defensive tackle after losing Roy Lopez to the Arizona Cardinals and Reader hitting free agency. The defensive lineman has made it known that he would be open to a return to the Lions, but nothing has materialized on that front at this point.
Spotrac projects Reader's market value to be a two-year, $7.7 million deal ($3.9 million per season), but that may be too expensive for teams to offer a 31-year-old defender who has taken some steps back. Teams are lower on Reader, which is why he's still on the market.
There's no timetable for when Reader will find his new home, but there's no secret that his market isn't as robust as he wanted.