Lions to sign veteran DT

Reader met with the Lions on Tuesday, with Detroit looking to evaluate the progress of his recovery from a quad injury. That ailment ended his 2023 campaign, and it marked his second career torn quad, something which threatened to limit his earning power on the open market. 

Another Bengals deal was on Cincinnati’s radar, but the 29-year-old will head to the Motor City instead.

After playing out his rookie contract with the Texans, Reader landed a four-year, $53M deal to join the Bengals in 2020. He was an impactful starter over that time, being rated in the top 11 for defensive tackles by PFF in each of the past three seasons. 

The former fifth-rounder racked up 123 tackles and three sacks in 44 Bengals contests, proving to be a valued member of the 2021 team that reached the Super Bowl.

His absence will be acutely felt up front for Cincinnati, but the Lions defensive line will benefit greatly with Reader in the fold. Detroit already had Alim McNeill in place as a starter, but the team was in the market for another interior lineman to pair with him. 

Reader will fit the bill as part of a Lions front that also includes Aidan Hutchinson and now fellow edge-rusher Marcus Davenport.

Improving up front was a goal for Detroit, a team that has also made a few notable moves in the secondary. 

After reaching the NFC title game, expectations will be high in Detroit given the core players that will be carried over in 2024. 

Reader is a high-profile addition to that group, and if healthy, he will be a key contributor for the Lions throughout his third NFL contract.