Jan. 11, 2026, 3:45 p.m. ET

One of the former Cincinnati Bengals who will always sit in good standing with the fanbase? 

Defensive lineman DJ Reader. 

Reader was one of the big free-agency signings years ago and a central figure in the Super Bowl appearance. He’s even said as much in public comments as of late. 

Scheduled to be a free agent this offseason, Reader recently made some comments that suggests Detroit Lions fans are ready to see him head elsewhere.

Bengals fans? They’re more than open to the idea of a Reader return to Cincinnati. While he will turn 32 years old in July, Duke Tobin recently stressed the need for veteran leadership on defense and the interior is a weak spot for the unit. 

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To Bengals fans, it makes too much sense, as evidenced recently by the wave of posts on social media about it. 

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