Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus identified one offseason move that every NFC team should still make, and for the Dallas Cowboys, he suggested acquiring or trading for a “run-stuffing interior defender.” Cameron’s suggestions? He believes that the Cowboys should deal for Reader.
“Although Dallas signed Solomon Thomas in free agency, that doesn’t profile as the answer to the Cowboys’ 30th-ranked run-defense grade (48.0),” Cameron wrote on May 9, with the following correction:
“Dallas hasn’t been hesitant to use future draft money this summer, and they should look at another possibility. D.J. Reader of the Lions has been regarded a cut possibility and might fit in well with the Cowboys, either through trade or post-release signing. Reader has a 91st-percentile PFF run-defense grade over the last three seasons.
Would Detroit Lions DT D.J. Reader be a trade candidate for the Dallas Cowboys?
If the Lions were willing to trade Reader, it’s unlikely that they’d get anything in return. A Day 3 choice would most likely suffice.
Reader is still valuable, but he turns 31 in July, which will hurt his trading stock. However, Detroit is unlikely to part with Reader because he is highly valued.
If Dallas is ready to take on the remainder of his contract — he has a cap charge of just under $13 million in 2025 — he might be a valuable asset to the Cowboys, who may still opt to give the Lions a call.
New Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme is largely reliant on turnovers and run defense, which fits Reader’s skill set.
The veteran defensive tackle’s ability to impede running lanes while also applying interior pressure may free up Dallas’ linebackers and edge rushers more. What if Micah Parsons receives a major boost from the interior? Keep an eye out.
A look back at the reader’s NFL career.
The Houston Texans selected Reader in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. After four seasons in Houston, where he developed into a fearsome run-stopper, Reader joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020.
During his time with the Bengals, he established himself as a key member of their defensive front, gaining praise for his steady play and leadership. Notably, he served as team captain in 2022 and 2023, and he played a key role in the Bengals’ journey to Super Bowl 56, with three quarterback hits, a tackle for loss, and a sack in the AFC Championship.
He signed with the Lions a little over a year ago.
Despite recovering from a ruptured right quad tendon sustained late in the 2023 season, Reader had an immediate impact in Detroit. His greatest effort came in Week 13 against the Chicago Bears, when he tallied four tackles, 2.0 sacks, and three quarterback hits
He also had three quarterback hits and was awarded the game ball for his services. Eberflus was Chicago’s head coach at the time and had a front-row seat.
Reader’s ability to command double teams has aided the Lions’ pass rush, and his seasoned presence has greatly assisted his teammates.
Given the strategic importance of the 3-tech in Eberflus’ system, we could see the Cowboys sign a seasoned and productive player like Reader sooner rather than later. However, the Lions are unlikely to be interested in sending him to a high-quality team in the same conference.
Leave a Reply