ESPN: Cowboys Name Lions $22 Million Starter a Top Trade Target

The two-year, $22 million contract that D.J. Reader signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency last year is about to start its second year.

Reader concluded the previous season with 23 total tackles (four for loss), 3.0 sacks (a career best), six quarterback hits, and 11 hurries while starting 15 games for Detroit.

One final offseason move that every NFC team should still make, according to Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus, is for the Dallas Cowboys to acquire or trade for a “run-stuffing interior defender.” Cameron’s recommendation? He thinks Reader should be traded to the Cowboys.

“Even though Solomon Thomas was acquired by Dallas in free agency, he doesn’t fit the Cowboys’ 30th-ranked run-defense grade (48.0),” Cameron said on May 9.

“Dallas might think about keeping an eye on another possibility since they haven’t hesitated to use future draft money this summer. D.J. Reader, a cut candidate for the Lions, would be a good match for the Cowboys either a trade or a post-release signing. Over the last three seasons, Reader’s PFF run-defense grade has been in the 91st percentile.

Would the Dallas Cowboys be interested in trading for Detroit Lions defensive end D.J. Reader?

A Day 3 selection would probably do it. Although Reader is still valued, his July 31st birthday would hurt his trade value, thus Detroit probably values him too highly to deal him at all. If the Lions were willing to trade him, it’s not like they could demand a huge price in exchange.

A Review of the Reader’s NFL Career
The Houston Texans picked Reader in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. After four seasons in Houston, where he evolved into a powerful run-stopper, Reader signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020.

He established himself as a pillar of the Bengals’ defense throughout his time there, winning praise for his steady performance and leadership. Notably, he led the club as captain in 2022 and 2023 and was responsible for three quarterback hits, a tackle for loss, and a sack in the AFC Championship, which helped the Bengals win Super Bowl 56.

He joined with the Lions little over a year ago.

Despite recuperating from a damaged right quad tendon sustained late in the 2023 season, Reader made an instant impact in Detroit. He earned a game ball for his outstanding performance against the Chicago Bears in Week 13 after recording four tackles, 2.0 sacks, and three quarterback hits. Eberflus had a front-row seat as head coach of Chicago at the time.

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Reader’s seasoned presence has greatly aided his teammates, and his ability to command double teams has been a boost to the Lions’ pass rush.

Given the strategic importance of the 3-tech in Eberflus’ system, signing a seasoned and productive player like Reader might be something we see the Cowboys accomplish sooner than later. It’s quite doubtful that the Lions will be interested in trading him to a strong club within the same conference, though.