After making it to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1992, the Detroit Lions made several moves this offseason to help get over the hump in 2024. While the results from those moves won’t come for months, one free-agency signing in particular generated strong praise in the NFL.
Detroit recognized after its NFC title loss to the San Francisco 49ers that its defense needed to be improved. So, with ample cap space, the Lions signed cornerback Amik Robertson, edge rusher Marcus Davenport, defensive tackle D.J. Reader and acquired cornerback Carlton Davis III.
Related: NFL defense rankings, see where Detroit Lions land
All three players are expected to play significant roles on the Lions’ defense in 2024. While neither of the additions necessarily change what Detroit will do with its top picks in the NFL Draft, one NFL executive is particularly high on Reader’s addition.
- D.J. Reader stats (ESPN): 30.5 stuffs, 9.5 sacks in 106 career games
Also Read: 2024 NFL Draft edge rusher rankings
Speaking to Mike Sando of The Athletic, an anonymous NFL executive said that even coming off an injury Reader’s signing was a huge win for the Lions’ front office.
“Reader is a big, big win for them. The quad injury is the only piece you worry about, but he has proven he can come back from that injury.”
Anonymous NFL executive on Detroit Lions signing D.J. Reader
Related: Detroit Lions draft picks 2024
- D.J. Reader PFF: 82.2 overall grade, 12 stops, 13 QB hurries, 17 total pressures
While Reader has never made a Pro Bowl in his NFL career, the former fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft is highly regarded around the league. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn quadriceps tendon in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings.
As long as he returns healthy, Reader should be an outstanding complement on the defensive interior alongside Alim McNeill. Paired with edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ pass rush should be much-improved in 2024 and that will make life even easier for a secondary that was also addressed in NFL free agency and via trade.
