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Bills urged to pursue run-stuffing DT
The Buffalo Bills are revamping their defense, and the team could use some help on the defensive line.
Buffalo will be switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, so having a solid defensive tackle is key. The Bills have Ed Oliver, who can help get after the quarterback, but Buffalo could use a run-stuffing defensive tackle alongside Deone Walker.
Bills insider Ryan Talbot of NYUP.com said on his Shout Podcast that he believes Buffalo should look tos ign DJ Reader.
“DJ Reader is a player that I would be bringing in in the third wave of free agency,” Talbot said. “Early thirties, I think you can get him on a one-year deal, just like you did with the safeties. Bring in a piece that can rotate with Deone Walker, a guy who has done it.
“A great run-stuffer, and pretty good too at getting after the quarterback. Honestly, I’m surprised he hasn’t found a spot yet. I would love to see him come to Buffalo on a team-friendly one-year deal with some incentives that are attainable.”
Reader would be able to rotate with Walker and form a nice tandem at defensive tackle to help the Bills’ run defense be much better.
Reader recorded 28 tackles last season with the Detroit Lions.
Bills Run Defense has Been an Issue
Buffalo’s defense has been the team’s weak point in their playoff exits. That led to head coach Sean McDermott being fired.
The Bills brought in Leonhard to be the new defensive coordinator, and he wants Buffalo’s defense to be one that attacks.
“We’re going to be an attacking defense up front and in the back end,” Leonhard said. “We’re going to attack the football. The biggest stat in football is turnovers. So we’re going to be aggressive, we’re going to fly around. We’re going to communicate, we’re going to play well together, but we’re going to cause issues for offense, and we’re going to force them to react to us. …
“We’re going to be aggressive, we’re not going to be reckless,” Leonhard said. “There’s a right and a wrong way in my opinion on how to attack quarterbacks in the NFL and it changes a little bit week to week based on their skill set …You have to try to change the comfort level of that quarterback, you got to be able to speed him up, you got to be able to slow him down.”
Last season, the Bills allowed 136.17 rushing yards per game, which ranked 28th in the NFL.
What is Reader Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Although Reader wouldn’t be a splashy signing for the Bills, as he isn’t a massive name, it would be a solid move.
The star defensive tackle also wouldn’t cost that much. Spotrac predicts Reader will sign a two-year, $7.73 million deal in free agency.
Reader is known for his run defense, but he can also get after the quarterback. Ultimately, it would be a low-risk, potential high-reward desl for the Bills to bring him in.