Revisiting Lions' target D.J. Reader's thoughts on free agency process

The Detroit Lions have had a busy start to free agency, and they continue to comb the market for players who can make an impact at positions of need.

One spot that has been pegged for upgrades is the defensive line. The Lions have agreed to sign Marcus Davenport to provide some pass rush punch. From there, they could be looking to add some girth in the middle in the form of D.J. Reader.

As Josina Anderson of CBS Sports and others have reported, Reader has a visit scheduled with the Lions on Thursday.

Adding Reader would boost a Lions' run defense that was already very good last season (88.8 yards per game; second-best in the league). Their NFC North rivals have made moves to upgrade at running back (D'Andre Swift to the Bears, Josh Jacobs to the Packers, Aaron Jones to the Vikings) though. An upgrade next to Alim McNeill at defensive tackle was already in order before those running back moves elsewhere in the division.

D.J. Reader spoke about potentially changing teams in free agency

As James Rapien of All Bengals shared, Reader was asked about his future after the season.

"You come to something, you feel like you've made it better while you've been here. That's a huge part of my progression as a person. Always want to leave something better than what I found it. So I always want to be here. Really want to be here with the guys. Love the locker room. Obviously, it's been a great four years for me."

"It's always good to be wanted, but I don't really control those types of things. I don't spend my time worrying about them too much. There's always uncertainty in your mind, but I find peace in knowing that I'll be exactly where God wants me to be."

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network added the Bengals want to re-sign Reader, but he has interest from a few teams.

Whether Reader decides he belongs in Detroit is anyone's guess, but with these comments in mind it's notable that he is making the trip to visit the Lions.