DJ Reader Leaves Lions for Two-Year, $12.5 Million Deal with Giants

Key facts

• DJ Reader signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract with the New York Giants.
• Reader spent two seasons (2024-25) with the Detroit Lions, playing 1,091 snaps.
• He recorded three sacks, 51 combined tackles, and four tackles-for-loss in Detroit.
• Reader missed only two games over his two seasons with the Lions.
• The Lions have nine defensive tackles on their roster after the draft and undrafted free agent signings.
• Pro Football Focus ranked Reader No. 21 on its free-agent board and suggested the Raiders as a logical fit.

Lions Lose Key Interior Presence as Reader Heads to New York

Defensive tackle DJ Reader is leaving the Detroit Lions after two seasons to join the New York Giants on a two-year contract worth $12.5 million, a source close to the negotiations confirmed on Tuesday. The deal ends Reader's tenure in Detroit, where he played a pivotal role on the defensive line, particularly during the early part of the 2025 season when the Lions were without both Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike. Reader, 31, appeared in 32 games over two seasons, missing only two contests. He logged 1,091 snaps and contributed three sacks, 51 combined tackles, and four tackles for loss. His consistency and durability made him a reliable anchor in the middle of Detroit's defense.

Giants Add Veteran Stability to Defensive Front

For the Giants, Reader brings immediate experience and a proven track record. He will be expected to fortify a defensive line that struggled against the run in 2025. The two-year, $12.5 million contract reflects a modest investment for a player who, while past his peak, remains a quality interior option. Reader's pass-rush grade of 72.6 from Pro Football Focus last season and a 10.5% pass-rush win rate—ranking 27th among qualified defensive tackles—underscore his continued effectiveness. The Giants are banking on his ability to command double teams and free up edge rushers.

Detroit's Defensive Line Overhaul Continues

The Lions have been aggressively reshaping their defensive line room this offseason. They have now parted ways with two high-snap-eaters at defensive tackle: Reader and Roy Lopez, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals. In free agency, Detroit added 26-year-old Jay Tufele, who has 46 career appearances and seven starts in five seasons. Following the draft and undrafted free agent pickups, the Lions currently have nine defensive tackles on the roster: McNeill, Tyleik Williams, Onwuzurike, Mekhi Wingo, Skyler Gill-Howard (a sixth-round pick from Texas Tech), Tufele, Chris Smith, Myles Adams, and Aidan Keanaaina. The unit remains a work in progress, with some analysts questioning whether $12.5 million price tag given the team's penny-pinching approach this offseason.

Reader's Market and Potential Alternatives

Before signing with the Giants, Reader was one of the most intriguing names remaining on the free-agent market. Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker identified the Las Vegas Raiders as a logical fit, citing the team's need for interior defensive help after they bypassed defensive tackles on Day 2 of the draft to select Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes. Locker noted that Reader might prefer to sign with a team closer to contention, but joining the Raiders would allow him to play alongside star edge rusher Maxx Crosby on a revamped defense. The Giants, however, moved quickly to secure Reader's services, offering a deal that reportedly matched his market value.

What the Deal Means for Both Teams

For the Giants, the addition of Reader fills a clear need for a veteran presence in the middle of the defensive line. His ability to eat snaps and occupy blockers should improve the performance of the team's edge rushers and linebackers. The contract is structured to provide flexibility, with a two-year term that allows the Giants to reassess after 2026. For the Lions, Reader's departure leaves a void in experience and snap count. While the team has stockpiled young talent, none of the current defensive tackles have Reader's track record of durability and production. The decision to let Reader walk suggests Detroit is prioritizing salary cap flexibility and developing younger players, but it also raises questions about whether the Lions have adequately addressed their interior defensive line needs.

Reader's Legacy in Detroit and Future Outlook

Reader's two seasons in Detroit were marked by steady performance and leadership. He was a key contributor to a defense that improved significantly in 2024 and 2025, helping the Lions reach the playoffs in both years. His departure, combined with the loss of Roy Lopez, signals a changing of the guard on Detroit's defensive line. As Reader prepares to join the Giants, he brings with him the experience of playing in a winning organization and the skills that made him a sought-after free agent. At 31, he still has productive years ahead, and the Giants are betting that his best football is not behind him. The deal also leaves open the possibility that Reader could be a trade chip if the Giants fall out of contention, but for now, he is expected to be a cornerstone of their defensive rebuild.

The bottom line

• DJ Reader signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract with the New York Giants, leaving the Detroit Lions after two seasons.
• Reader played 1,091 snaps and missed only two games in Detroit, recording three sacks and 51 tackles.
• The Lions have overhauled their defensive line, now rostering nine defensive tackles after losing Reader and Roy Lopez.
• Pro Football Focus ranked Reader No. 21 among free agents and suggested the Raiders as a fit, but the Giants secured his services.
• Reader's pass-rush grade of 72.6 and 10.5% win rate in 2025 indicate he remains a productive interior defender.
• The Giants gain a veteran run-stopper to anchor their defensive line, while Detroit bets on youth and cap flexibility.