Vikings Urged to Sign Lions Defender
Either from the draft or the remaining waves for free agency, the Minnesota Vikings might need another defensive tackle, and Bleacher Report knows just the guy: D.J. Reader.
Minnesota still needs interior muscle, and Reader fits the short-term free-agent lane.
BR’s Kristopher Knox sized up the best landing spots for the 10 best remaining free agents in the NFL last week, and in his estimation, Reader would fit nicely in the Twin Cities.
A Veteran NT Fix for Brian Flores’ Defensive Front
Minnesota doesn’t do much with true nose tackles, but Reader could work.
BR: Reader Is a Fit for Vikings
Reader got the nod on Knox’s late-March free-agent list, and he envisions a deal with the Dallas Cowboys or Vikings.
Knox explained, “D.J. Reader will turn 32 this summer and isn’t the sort of attacking interior pass-rusher that many teams want at defensive tackle. However, he remains a high-end starter, a legitimate force against the run, and a very durable defender. Reader would be a great addition for the Dallas Cowboys, who traded away Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas.”
“He could serve as a run-stuffing specialist behind Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams to help boost a defense that allowed 4.7 yards per carry in 2025. The Minnesota Vikings should also take a long look at their former division rival. Minnesota released defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in cap-saving moves earlier this offseason. Best Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings.”
Reader will turn 32 this summer, so it’s important to note that he wouldn’t be a long-term solution in Minnesota.
Reader’s Career Resume
Reader is a nose tackle and entered the NFL from Round 5 of the 2016 NFL Draft, originally with the Houston Texans, where he stayed for four years. He’s appeared in 137 games, starting 128 and banking 328 total tackles, with 27 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.
He’s 6’3″ and 330 pounds. Here’s his PFF resume to date:
- 2025: 68.9
- 2024: 66.5
- 2023: 82.2
- 2022: 85.2
- 2021: 79.5
- 2020: 69.6
- 2019: 85.4
- 2018: 76.1
- 2017: 79.2
- 2016: 70.1
And after his collegiate career at Clemson, here’s his NFL resume:
- Houston Texans (2016–2019)
- Cincinnati Bengals (2020–2023)
- Detroit Lions (2024–2025)
The DT Group with Reader
Assume the Vikings take the bait from BR’s recommendation. Before the draft, where the club could realistically add a defensive tackle or two, the DT room would look like this:
- Jalen Redmond
- D.J. Reader
- Levi Drake Rodriguez
- Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
- Taki Taimani
- Elijah Williams
- Jaylon Hutchings
The group is probably still lacking a three-tech defensive tackle, but the offseason isn’t quite over. Stay tuned.
The Viking Age‘s Brad Berreman warned against the Reader signing last weekend: “Reader will be way cheaper to sign than either Javon Hargrave or Jonathan Allen were last offseason. It’s also fair to say that Reader would be a better fit for Brian Flores’ defense than Hargrave was, with interior defensive linemen mostly called upon to take up blockers while others have the pass-rushing fun. Reader’s value is rooted in being a stout run defender.”
“But over his two seasons with the Lions, he notably declined in that phase as he moved to the wrong side of 30 years old. The Vikings tried to go the veteran route to fortify their interior defensive line last offseason, and it did not work out well.”
As of late March, Minnesota has one of the oldest rosters in the NFL, and a Reader addition would do nothing to change that.
Berreman added, “While that shouldn’t push the idea of trying again with different players away on its own, they also have some younger players who deserve a shot to play more.”
“D.J. Reader would take snaps away from those young guys, while being unlikely to provide more value. So the Vikings should have no trouble avoiding the perceived fit here.”
Other Options from Draft, FA
If Reader does not tickle the Vikings’ fancy, here’s a peek at the remaining free agents at his position who would move the needle:
- Jonathan Bullard
- Calais Campbell
- Mario Edwards
- Foley Fatukasi
- Shelby Harris
- Rakeem Nunez-Roches
- Larry Ogunjobi
And from the draft in the first few rounds (in order, according to the Consensus Big Board):
- Peter Woods (Clemson)
- Caleb Banks (Florida)
- Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)
- Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)
- Christen Miller (Georgia)
- Domonique Orange (Iowa State)
- Gracen Halton (Oklahoma)
- Darrell Jackson Jr. (Florida State)
- Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati)
It’s worth noting that a defensive tackle is a popular mock-draft trend for the Vikings in Round 1, in addition to cornerback and safety.
The Vikings often skimp at the nose tackle spot; Reader would change that for a season or two.
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