After trading for wide receiver George Pickens, PFF believes the Dallas Cowboys may target defensive tackle DJ Reader before the 2025 campaign. According to Pro Football Focus, they think the biggest weakness on the team’s roster is the defensive trenches, which looks true because Mazi Smith had one of the worst seasons last year. The Cowboys got Solomon Thomas as a depth piece behind Smith, but he’s more of a journeyman who won’t drastically change this unit. Smith has yet to develop into a capable nose tackle next to recently extended Osa Odighizuwa, who’s been carrying the defensive department to get after the quarterback.
However, it’s not too late for the Cowboys to target someone to complete the defense. After trading for Kenneth Murray Jr. and signing Jack Sanborn, the team is one step away from having a different defensive trenches unit. Perhaps, it makes sense for the Cowboys to reach out to the Lions for Reader even if it’s in a potential trade. It might not happen until midseason if Dallas and the Lions are open to taking a draft pick, so they don’t release him and get nothing in return.
Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Clemson product became one of the best run-stuffers in the league and is still making strides in Detroit. He’s in his last year of his $22 million contract, so this means it is more than likely the Cowboys could take him in a potential trade. After recording a 91st-percentile PFF run-defense grade over the past three campaigns, these three other teams could use his presence, too.
PFF: Cowboys Could Target $67 Million Potential Cut Candidate DJ Reader – 3 Other Possible Fits
Other Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Last season, the Los Angeles Chargers had one of the best run-stuffing defenses in the league with the emergence of Poona Forda and Teair Tart. However, it doesn’t look like that will be the case anymore this upcoming campaign, as they haven’t found a replacement for Ford. They lost Morgan Fox as well in free agency, and the only move is signing Da’Shawn Hand. They didn’t get a capable defender who’s going to alternate this defense, which is surprising since head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win football games with a physical defense.
Despite that, it’s not too late, and they could facilitate a trade with the Lions. DJ Reader is the perfect nose tackle to match with Tart, who’s coming back on a one-year deal, to get after the quarterback. He has the capabilities and experience to be the main disruptor for this trench unit.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens could use another run-stuffer as well. Nnamdi Madubuike was the best nose tackle on this defense, but they need the depth if they want to bolster their department. The team signing Yannick Ngakoue was proof that they need all the help in the world to have a powerhouse defense. While they could target Jadeveon Clowney in a potential reunion, it might make sense to add Reader, which would be an upgrade over Broderick Washington and Travis Jones
Washington Commanders
Many Commander fans were not happy to see the team sign defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. No doubt, they need more explosiveness in their defense after losing Jonathan Allen and a few veterans like Chase Young over the years. Since they lost the 2024 season sack leader, Dante Fowler Jr., they could make up for it by trading for DJ Reader to give Kinlaw some relief if he doesn’t perform up to standards.
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