Former Detroit Lions nose tackle DJ Reader is has reportedly agreed to terms to joint the New York Giants. Per Ian Rapoport, it’s a two-year, $12.5 million deal for Reader, as the 31-year-old defensive lineman becomes the latest to leave the Lions this offseason via free agency.
Reader had spent the last two years in Detroit, signing a two-year, $22 million deal with the Lions back in 2024. The veteran nose tackle played in 32 of 34 available games for the Lions, logging 51 tackles, 3.0 sacks and 12 quarterback hits over that time. While Reader was an integral part of Detroit’s run defense in 2024, the unit took a step back last year.
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The Lions also lost reserve defensive tackle Roy Lopez in free agency earlier, when the veteran signed a two-year, $10.5 million deal with the Buccaneers.
Detroit hasn’t added much to replace these two players, signing veteran defensive tackle Jay Tufele last week and reportedly signing undrafted rookie Aidan Keanaaina.
However, the Lions may be able to replace the production of Reader and Lopez via internal promotions. Alim McNeill, now nearly two years removed from his torn ACL, should be healthy to start the season after missing seven games last season. And 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams should see a heavy increase in playing time after participating in just 40.4% of snaps last year. Other options include Levi Onwuzurike, Chris Smith, Myles Adams, and late-round picks Skyler Gill-Howard and Tyre West—although both of those players aren’t likely to play any nose tackle.
Detroit still has some open spots on their roster, so don’t be surprised if they end up adding another nose tackle before training camp opens near the end of July.
Note: Because this signing happened after the NFL Draft, it will not figure into Detroit’s compensatory pick formula for the 2027 NFL Draft.
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