The Detroit Lions have agreed to a contract with defensive tackle DJ Reader, a team spokesman told ESPN’s Eric Woodyard on Thursday.
According to multiple reports, Reader agreed to a two-year, $27.25 million contract.
Reader is another impact defensive player added by the Lions this week, who also traded for cornerback Carlton Davis III.
Reader is considered one of the cornerstones of the Cincinnati Bengals‘ franchise turnaround. When he landed with the Bengals in 2020, he was the first external free agent the team signed in its attempt to improve a roster that finished with the league’s worst record in 2019. He signed a four-year deal worth $53 million, taking the Bengals’ offer over other teams such as the Denver Broncos.
He started in all 44 games for the Bengals but suffered season-ending quad injuries in 2020 and 2023. Last season, Reader appeared in 14 games before he tore his right quad in a Week 15 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
During his time with the Bengals, Reader was praised by defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo as one of the unit’s most consistent players despite his modest numbers. He totaled 123 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 7 pass deflections with Cincinnati.
The Bengals moved on from Reader when they agreed to a contract this week with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins.
The former Clemson standout, 29, will be entering his ninth year in the league in 2024. He spent the first four seasons of his pro career with the Houston Texans, who drafted him in the fifth round in 2016.
He has 277 tackles and 9.5 sacks in his career.
ESPN’s Ben Baby contributed to this report.