
DJ Reader has left the Detroit Lions to sign with the New York Giants, marking a significant move in free agency. The 32-year-old defensive tackle was a key player for the Lions over the past two seasons.
DJ Reader was a fixture in the middle of the Detroit Lionsā defensive line the past two seasons. But he is now gone after signing with the New York Giants on Tuesday, May 5.
Reader, who will turn 32 in July, was one of the Lionsā prized free-agent acquisitions in 2024 after distinguishing himself as a run-stuffing nose tackle during a successful four-year stint with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Upon completing his recovery from a torn quadriceps tendon that offseason, Reader was immediately installed as a starter in Week 2 and quickly helped anchor the front with his stout 6-foot-3, 330-pound frame. He would go on to produce four tackles for loss, including three sacks. He also contributed 13 stops that led to failed results for the offense.
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) tries to tackle Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.
MORE LIONS: Lions' Terrion Arnold eyeing training camp return from shoulder injury
āThere is comfort to what he is and what heās able to do for us,ā coach Dan Campbell said in July 2025. āHe is, heās a steady force and he can play the nose, he can play the three, he gives you flexibility."
DJ Reader left the Detroit Lions to join the New York Giants as part of the free agency process.
DJ Reader was a crucial part of the Lions' defensive line, contributing four tackles for loss and three sacks during his tenure.
DJ Reader signed with the New York Giants on Tuesday, May 5.


Arthur Blank promises to keep concession prices low for FIFA World Cup fans.
Valkyries GM addresses backlash over Flauājae Johnson trade
Fluminense confirms the signing of Hulk, set to play after World Cup break!
Arteta: Arsenal fans set the standards after reaching Champions League final
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
But last April, the Lions appeared to begin preparing for life without Reader when they used their first-round pick to draft Tyleik Williams. Williams had a similar profile and skill set as Reader, who was about to turn 31. While Reader remained a starter this past fall and would go on to play a full season for the first time since 2018, his impact wasnāt as pronounced as it was in his first year with the Lions. His stat line reflected that, as he didnāt net a single tackle for loss or sack.
Late in the year, Reader acknowledged the downturn in his production, but said, āIāve felt like Iāve played some decent ball.ā
Still, he was keenly aware his future with the Lions was uncertain.
āIād love to be here, love the guys, love the coaches, so weāll see,ā Reader said in December. āYou never know how free agency [works out]. They got some other stuff they got to take care of so Iām sure itās more important than me right now. You never know how that shakes out, but Iād love to be here.ā
But it wasn't meant to be; Reader will play his next NFL season in a different city.
NeedĀ to catch up on the news during your lunch break?Ā Sign up for our Sports Briefing newsletterĀ to get daily summaries of Detroit sports!
ContactĀ Rainer Sabin atĀ rsabin@freepress.com. Follow himĀ @RainerSabinĀ on X.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: DJ Reader leaves Detroit Lions in free agency to join New York Giants