On March 14, the Detroit Lions signed veteran defensive lineman D.J. Reader to a two-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Alex Anzalone, the defensive captain and linebacker for the Lions, is undoubtedly fond of the acquisition.
Anzalone shared his joy about the Lions’ addition of Reader to the defensive line on X (previously Twitter).
Anzalone wrote on X, “You want Mac, Reader, Hutch, and Marcus up front walking off the bus first.” “LFG!”
With his height of 6 feet 3 inches and weight of 335 pounds, Reader is undoubtedly menacing as he gets off the bus. With the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023, he had 34 total tackles, including 2 tackles for loss and 7 quarterback hits, despite his stature. He also had one sack, one interception, and one recovered fumble.
According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Reader’s two-year contract is worth up to $27.25 million. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network continued, saying that Reader will get a guarantee of more than $9 million.
How DT D.J. Reader Fits With the Detroit Lions
Lions supporters on social media have been urging the team to make a major splash for the defensive line, even though they signed defensive end Marcus Davenport. Reader was the Lions’ response to their appeals.
Similar to Anzalone, media representatives with the Lions voiced their enthusiasm for Reader’s visit to Detroit.