The Cowboys are scouring the market for defensive reinforcements, and patience might just lead them to a game-changer in the middle.
Fresh off the acquisition of George Pickens, the Dallas Cowboys have made strides to solidify their offense. However, questions linger about their defensive strategy.
A critical area that has flown under the radar this offseason is the run-stopping defensive tackle position. The Cowboys opted not to bring in outside talent during free agency and instead waited until the latter rounds to select UCLA’s Jay Toia, aiming to bolster their run defense. With the future of former first-round pick Mazi Smith still uncertain as he enters his third season, there’s ample opportunity for the team to pursue a seasoned veteran who can effectively plug the gap.
In a recent analysis by Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron, he highlighted a potential candidate from the Detroit Lions who could fill that crucial role: DJ Reader.
Smith faced a notably challenging season in 2024, earning a dismal 34.7 PFF overall grade, placing him in a difficult spot for the second year in a row with subpar performances. Although the Cowboys did sign Solomon Thomas this offseason, he’s not the definitive solution needed to tackle the team’s disappointing 30th-ranked run-defense grade of 48.0.
Dallas has not hesitated to invest future draft picks this offseason and would benefit from closely watching Reader’s situation. Considered a potential cut, he could seamlessly fit into the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, either through a trade or as a post-release acquisition. Throughout the last three seasons, Reader has maintained a PFF run-defense grade that sits among the elite at the 91st percentile.
Arriving at the Lions on a two-year, $22 million deal in 2024, Reader has amassed over $67 million in his professional journey, primarily during his tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2020 to 2023. Originally a fifth-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2016, this 6-foot-3, 335-pound force has established himself as a stalwart in run defense.
However, Reader’s future in Detroit may be uncertain due to the team’s salary considerations heading into the 2025 offseason. The Lions recently secured Roy Lopez from the Arizona Cardinals with a one-year, $4.7 million deal and added Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams in the first round of this year’s draft. With a strong interior defensive lineup, the presence of three nose tackles exceeding 320 pounds may become redundant.
On the flip side, Reader’s situation is complicated by a roster bonus that netted him $4 million on the third day of this league year. Nevertheless, a release could grant Detroit significant savings, exceeding $7 million. If they let him go after June 1, the team would incur $3.7 million in dead money on the cap for the next season.
