D.J. Reader
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Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox called the Minnesota Vikings one of the best fits for Detroit Lions defensive tackle D.J. Reader.
The Minnesota Vikings remain in the market for a defensive tackle with the third week of NFL free agency approaching. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox sees the Vikings potentially finding one in a former rival — D.J. Reader.
On Saturday, Knox named Minnesota one of the two best fits for Reader in NFL free agency.
“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.
“Despite playing through a back injury this past season, Reader started all 17 games for the Lions and recorded 28 tackles. He has appeared in at least 14 games in each of the past three seasons.
“The Minnesota Vikings should also take a long look at their former division rival. Minnesota released defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in cap-saving moves earlier this offseason.”
Reader spent two seasons with the Detroit Lions from 2024-25. Last season, Reader registered 28 combined tackles with four quarterback hits.
The defensive tackle has also played for the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals in his career. Across 137 games, Reader has posted 328 combined tackles, including 27 for loss.
He also has 56 quarterback hits, 12 sacks, and nine pass defenses.
Could the Vikings Sign D.J. Reader?
The possibility of poaching a rival’s starter is always exciting to explore.
With Reader as an anchor last season, the Lions were 14th in rushing yards allowed. They were even better during 2024, finishing fifth in rushing yards yielded.
However, the Lions were in the bottom half of the league in yards allowed per carry both seasons.
The Vikings could be a landing spot for Reader because they parted ways with two veteran defensive tackles this offseason. As Knox noted, Minnesota released Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in March.
Allen played about 75% of Minnesota’s defensive snaps last season while Hargrave lined up for a little north of 50%. Overall, they combined to play 1,370 snaps.
That’s a lot of playing time to replace. Signing Reader could help tremendously.
The Texans drafted Reader at No. 166 overall in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He became a full-time starter during his second season.
After his rookie contract expired, Reader joined the Cincinnati Bengals. His best statistical season came in 2019 when he had 52 combined tackles, including six for loss. Reader also had 13 quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks in 15 games during 2019.
Vikings DT Depth Without Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave
While Allen and Hargrave leave a big hole behind, the Vikings do have some interior defensive linemen to replace them.
Both Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez will return for Minnesota next season. Interestingly, Redmond played roughly the same amount of snaps as Allen did while Rodriguez wasn’t far off Hargrave’s playing time.
Redmond and Rodriguez are each likely to see their snaps increase next season.
However, it’s not possible for those two linemen to account for an additional 1,400 snaps in 2026. That’s why Reader is a potential option for Minnesota.
The price should be right. Spotrac projected Reader’s market value to be about $7.7 million on a 2-year contract.
If the Vikings don’t add a veteran defensive tackle, they could draft one. Minnesota holds four draft picks in the top 100 this spring.