10-year veteran defensive lineman D.J. Reader signed a new contract with the New York Giants. Reader, a former fifth-round pick, spent the 2025 season with the Detroit Lions but has also played for the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals.
D.J. Reader, New York Giants, Agree to Contract
Although the box score might not show it, D.J. Reader had yet another productive season for the Detroit Lions in 2025. Playing defensive tackle typically involves freeing up others to make plays, and Reader continued his selfless play under head coach Dan Campbell. Starting and appearing in all 17 games, the veteran finished the year with 28 tackles and a 68.5 PFF grade, the 35th-best mark out of 127 eligible players. Despite his strong play, the Detroit Lions narrowly missed making the playoffs.
D.J. Reader originally entered the league as a fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Selected by the Houston Texans, the Clemson product quickly became a key part of the defensive line. Starting in seven games while appearing in all 16, the rookie finished his inaugural campaign with one sack, 22 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and a 70.1 PFF grade.
Reader continued to be a key part of Houston’s defensive line and was a full-time starter in each of the next three seasons. After his rookie contract came to a close, the defensive tackle signed a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. While injuries limited him to just five games in 2020, he started and appeared in 15 in 2021. During his first full season with the club, Reader recorded two sacks, 43 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, seven quarterback hits, and a 79.5 PFF grade. He played a pivotal role in Cincinnati’s run to the Super Bowl, although the team ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Rams.
Since signing his rookie contract, D.J. Reader has appeared in 137 games while making 128 starts. While on the field, the veteran lineman has recorded 12.5 sacks, 328 tackles, 27 tackles-for-loss, and 56 quarterback hits.
Main Photo: Lon Horwedel – Imagn Images
