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NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported former Detroit Lions defensive lineman D.J. Reader signed with the New York Giants in NFL free agency.
Veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader isn’t returning to the Detroit Lions for the 2026 NFL season. But his new team will play a game at Ford Field in Detroit during the upcoming regular season slate.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Tuesday that Reader signed a free agency deal with the New York Giants.
BREAKING: The # Giants are signing former #Lions DT DJ Reader, per sources.
The highly productive Reader had 51 tackles, 12 QB hits and 3 sacks during his two years in Detroit.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Reader’s contract with the Giants is a two-year, $12.5 million deal. With incentives, the defensive tackle can make up to $15.5 million.
Reader spent the past two seasons with the Lions. He started 32 games, registering 51 combined tackles, including four for loss, 12 quarterback hits and three sacks.
All three of his sacks came during 2024. That set a new single-season career high for the defensive tackle.
During 2025, Reader registered 28 combined tackles and four quarterback hits.
The defensive tackle, who will turn 32 years old in July, is entering his 11th NFL season. He began his career with the Houston Texans and has also played with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of other NFL teams. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb