Ravens Host DT D.J. Reader

A fifth-round pick of the Texans in 2016, the run-stuffing Reader has started in 128 of 137 career appearances. After a successful four seasons in Houston, Reader inked a four-year, $53MM pact with the Bengals in 2020. Although injuries sidelined Reader for 23 games in Cincinnati, he played out the contract as a key part of its defense, including during an AFC-winning 2021 campaign.

Heading into the 2024 season, Reader left the Bengals for another nice payday in Detroit, which handed him a two-year deal worth up to $27.25MM. The 6-foot-4, 330-pounder missed two games in his first Lions season, but he totaled a career-high three sacks. Pro Football Focus rated his play a solid 39th among 132nd qualified interior defenders. Reader is now coming off his first career 17-game season, in which he started each contest, logged 28 tackles and led Lions interior defenders in snaps (583). Although Reader did not register a sack, PFF rated his performance an impressive 30th out of 134 players at his position.

In joining the Ravens, Reader could provide a quality fallback option if Nnamdi Madubuike is unavailable for some or all of 2026. Madubuike suffered a season-ending neck injury in Week 2 last year, and it remains unclear if he will play again. The Ravens clearly felt the two-time Pro Bowler’s absence in 2025, but even if he returns, adding Reader would improve their situation up front. There is also uncertainty surrounding Broderick Washington, who sat out all but three games as a result of an Achilles injury last season. Previewing the Ravens’ offseason in early March, PFR’s Nikhil Mehta identified Washington as a release candidate.

Beyond Madubuike and Washington, Baltimore counts Travis Jones (the recipient of a three-year, $40.5MM extension last December), John Jenkins, Aeneas Peebles, CJ Okoye and David Olajiga among its options along the interior. We may find out soon if Reader will join the group.