The Bengals will likely try to re-sign great nose tackle D.J. Reader, but there appears to be competition now.
The Detroit Lions are “seriously interested” in signing the 29-year-old veteran, according to TWSN’s Malik Wright.
Last year, the defensive tackle was nothing short of remarkable. Last season, he was rated 82.2 by Pro Football Focus, which ranked him 11th out of 130 interior defensive lineman. He also finished with four stuffs, one sack, one pass defensed, twenty solo tackles, and 34 total tackles.
However, Reader is still healing from the ruptured quadriceps he sustained against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15. At training camp, he might not be prepared, and there will undoubtedly be some doubts about his ability to return completely.
Nevertheless, Reader is a big, strong, and effective piece for the center of any defense. So, he will undoubtedly receive significant offers.The Bengals may no longer have the opportunity to sign him to a cheap, one-year contract.
