Another One Walks Out the Door
DJ Reader is heading to New York. The former Lions nose tackle has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million deal with the Giants, making him the latest departure from Allen Park this offseason.
Reader spent two seasons in Honolulu Blue after signing that two-year, $22 million deal back in 2024. He was reliable when healthy, playing in 32 of 34 possible games and racking up 51 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and 12 quarterback hits. Not spectacular numbers, but the kind of steady interior presence this franchise has historically struggled to find.
The timing stings a little. Reader was a key piece of Detroit’s run defense in 2024, but that unit took a step backward last year. Now he’s gone, along with reserve defensive tackle Roy Lopez, who signed with the Buccaneers earlier this offseason.
What’s Left in the Middle
Brad Holmes hasn’t exactly been aggressive replacing these departures. The Lions signed veteran Jay Tufele last week and reportedly added undrafted rookie Aidan Keanaaina. That’s it. That’s the plan so far.
The real hope lies with internal development. Alim McNeill should finally be healthy after missing seven games last season, nearly two years removed from that torn ACL. Tyleik Williams, the 2025 first-round pick, only saw 40.4% of snaps last year but should see his role expand significantly.
After that, you’re looking at Levi Onwuzurike, Chris Smith, Myles Adams, and the late-round rookies Skyler Gill-Howard and Tyre West. Though neither of those last two are likely nose tackle candidates.
Trust the Process, But Watch the Depth Chart
Detroit still has roster spots available, so don’t be shocked if Holmes adds another nose tackle before training camp opens at the end of July. This front office has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to roster construction.
But watching productive veterans walk out the door while banking on internal development? That’s a familiar Detroit Lions story, even if this version feels different. The good news is Reader’s departure won’t impact Detroit’s compensatory pick formula for the 2027 NFL Draft since the signing happened after the draft.
Are we really comfortable betting on McNeill’s health and Williams’ development to anchor the middle of this defense, or should Holmes be more aggressive filling these holes? Let me know what you think below.
