The Detroit Lions have juggled their roster in a big way this offseason, and that means several players have already moved on who were notable free agents.
Offensively and defensively, Detroit has re-shuffled from the team that missed the playoffs and went a disappointing 9-8 in 2025. It was wise to expect there to be some significant changes after such a frustration, but it's been surprising to see
One decision the Lions have left remaining revolves around what to do with veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader. A few years ago, Reader was a significant free agency signing for Detroit. After a pair of up and down seasons in Motown, Reader remains unsigned on the market.
With the market slowing to a crawl after the flurry of free agency to start the month, a chance to reset exists at the start of a new month before the draft. Pro Football Focus and analyst Mason Cameron examined a few good fits for some of the better free agents lingering on the market.
Interestingly, he had Reader as the first name on the list. Perhaps a bit surprisingly, he didn't list the Lions as his top team fit, but rather the Indianapolis Colts where he could reunite with a former key coach.
"A move to reunite with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in Indianapolis would prove to be a strong pairing for both sides. While playing under Anarumo in Cincinnati, Reader put together the strongest stretch of his career, earning an 82.0-plus PFF overall grade in 2022 and 2023. Before his departure, Anarumo had high praise for Reader, both on the field and in the locker room."
"Adding Reader would give the Colts defense a key piece familiar with the system and bolster a defense that struggled against interior runs. Indianapolis finished the 2025 campaign ranked 27th in PFF run-defense grade (53.8) when facing A and B gap runs."
There hasn't been much obvious interest in Reader on the open market, but just ahead of the draft and after could be the sweet spot for his signing. Teams that don't upgrade at defensive tackle could circle back toward Reader as one of the better veteran options on the market.
Door could be open for Reader's return after Lions' offseason approach
Even though PFF believes Reader is a good fit for the Colts, the Lions could still decide to sign him in free agency, and Reader himself could be interested in coming back to Detroit the longer the offseason wears on.
Recently, Reader explained to Kay Adams on "Up & Adams" that he would appreciate a return to the Lions if the situation allows, because the franchise represents a comfortable situation for him that he has enjoyed over the last few seasons.
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In terms of Detroit's offseason, the Lions have not done much along the defensive line. They allowed a productive veteran in Roy Lopez to walk away in a surprising move. Additionally, they haven't brought anyone in at defensive tackle other than re-signing Myles Adams, a depth tackle.
The Lions could have faith in the resurgence of the recovered Alim McNeill and the emergence of Tyleik Williams, a rookie who saw an inconsistent role in 2025. Providing those two step up, Detroit could be set on the interior of the line. They could also look to draft another youngster to groom for the future. If they are unsure about any of that, a pivot back to Reader would be smart.
Either way, it seems like the clock is ticking for Detroit with Reader. If they don't make a decision soon on his future, the veteran could move on to a better situation where he could have a seamless fit.