Detroit Lions veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader isn’t sure what the future holds, but if it were up to him, he’d keep wearing Honolulu blue.
“I’d love to be here, love the guys, love the coaches, so we’ll see,” Reader said via the Detroit Free Press. “You never know how free agency works out… but I’ve enjoyed my time here.”
And honestly, you can hear the sincerity in his voice.
Over the past two seasons in Detroit, Reader has been more than just a body in the middle of the defensive line, he’s been a tone-setter, leader, and mentor in a room full of young talent. Even if his stat line doesn’t scream superstardom, his impact has been steady and respected.
Production That Doesn’t Always Show Up on the Stat Sheet
Reader logged 554 defensive snaps in 2025 (39th among interior defenders), finishing the year with:
- 19 total pressures
- 11 solo tackles
- 0 sacks
- 0 forced fumbles
According to Pro Football Focus, Reader earned a 69.4 overall grade this season, ranking 31st out of 128 qualifying defensive tackles, keeping him firmly in that “above-average, reliable veteran” tier that coaches trust in tough situations.
For his career, Reader has now appeared in 136 games, totaling:
- 171 solo tackles
- 12.5 sacks
- 1 forced fumble
He isn’t the flashy stat-sheet guy, and he knows it, but he believes the film still backs up his value.
“I know stats may not reflect exactly what things may seem, but I’ve felt like I’ve played some decent ball,” Reader said. “Others may feel different. So, I’ve enjoyed it.”
A Leader in the Locker Room — Not Just on Sundays
Reader called his time in Detroit “a lot” for his career, both personally and professionally. He even set a career-high with three sacks in 2024, and along the way embraced a mentorship role with Detroit’s younger defensive linemen.
He joked that he’s “gained some little brothers for life.”
He was also Detroit’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, which says as much about his character as anything he’s done on the field.
“I’ve enjoyed just being in a new city, getting to meet some new people, enjoyed the work environment. It’s been good.”
So… Do the Lions Bring Him Back?
That’s the big question.
Reader made it clear: he wants to stay. But he also knows Brad Holmes has bigger contractual priorities to sort through first.
“They got some other stuff they got to take care of… You never know how that shakes out.”
Detroit has some roster decisions coming on the defensive line, and Reader’s age plus mileage will factor in, but so will experience, leadership, and scheme trust.
This may come down to one thing: Do the Lions value his veteran presence enough to keep him in the rotation?
Based on how teammates talk about him… that answer might lean yes.
Jeff Bilbrey
Source link