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Report: Lions sign run-stopper D.J. Reader to bolster defensive line

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs near Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) during the first half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis) (John Amis, Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

It took four days, but the Lions finally made a big splash in free agency, bringing in one of the top defensive tackles in the league.

The Lions have reportedly signed former Bengals run-stuffer D.J. Reader to a two-year deal, according to NFL Network. The deal with worth up to $27.25 million, according to Bleacher Report.

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Reader is coming off surgery, so the process took a bit longer than expected, but the Lions had reportedly been in talks with Reader all week.

Reader will join Alim McNeil in the middle of line, joining one of the league’s top rushing defenses from last season.

The Lions have been focused on adding to their defense so far this offseason, signing defensive end Marcus Davenport, trading for cornerback Carlton Davis, and singing corner Amik Robertson.


About the Author
Ken Haddad headshot

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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