D.J. Reader Set to Visit Detroit Lions

Lions will host one of the top free agents remaining.

The Detroit Lions are set to host of the top free agent nose tackles remaining. 

According to multiple reports, Cincinnati Bengals free agent D.J. Reader will travel to Detroit Thursday for a free agent visit. 

During the legal tampering period, Detroit's front office has already added defensive lineman Marcus Davenport and a pair of cornerbacks, but could also look to add a veteran who was an integral factor in a team winning a Super Bowl. 

Last season, the 29-year-old recorded 34 tackles, two tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, one sack, one pass defensed and one fumble recovery in 14 games.

According to All Bengals, "There are other teams interested in Reader, but Detroit appears to be the favorite to snatch him from the Bengals and add him to their defensive line room."

The 6-foot-3, 335-pound Reader is known for his run-stuffing prowess, but has also been an underrated pass-rusher.

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Detroit's defense has been seeking to complement Aidan Hutchinson, who has emerged as one of the top edge rushers. 

Unfortunately, outside linebacker James Houston suffered an injury that cost him the majority of the 2023 season. 

John Cominsky and Alim McNeill are also set to return in 2024. 

Detroit added a new defensive line coach in Terrell Williams. Adding Reader would give him another talented veteran to aid in Detroit's playoff push. 

Many of the top defensive lineman have accepted long-term, financially lucrative contracts. 

If Detroit can add Reader, many supporters, who have lamented Brad Holmes' lack of impact moves, would have slightly less angst regarding the team's improvement in free agency.