D.J. Reader
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Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox argued the Dallas Cowboys are an ideal fit for veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader.
The Dallas Cowboys already have two strong defensive tackles on their roster. Quite frankly, the team has a few bigger defensive needs. But that didn’t stop Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox from calling on the Cowboys to target D.J. Reader in NFL free agency.
Knox identified the Cowboys as one of the two best fits for Reader next season.
“D.J. Reader will turn 32 this summer and isn’t the sort of attacking interior pass-rusher that many teams want at defensive tackle. However, he remains a high-end starter, a legitimate force against the run, and a very durable defender,” wrote Knox.
“Reader would be a great addition for the Dallas Cowboys, who traded away Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas. He could serve as a run-stuffing specialist behind Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams to help boost a defense that allowed 4.7 yards per carry in 2025.”
With the Detroit Lions last season, Reader posted 28 combined tackles with four quarterback hits. He didn’t have any sacks, but Knox sees the veteran defensive tackle as a specialist on running downs going forward.
Over his 10-year NFL career, Reader has 12.5 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, 56 quarterback hits and nine pass defenses in 137 games.