Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Key Points:

DJ Reader is projected to receive a contract of $3.5-4.5 million on a likely one-year deal.
The Bengals are a perfect fit due to price and familiarity.
Cincinnati must trade for an elite DT or draft one in Round 1 to expect ELITE Production.

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Cincinnati Bengals have watched NFL teams dominate with their defensive lines, all the while, they have had terrible production there. When you look at the teams that have won a Super Bowl, their interior defensive line looks stout:

The 2020 Buccaneers with Vita Vea, 2021 Rams with Aaron Donald, 2022 & 2023 Chiefs with Chris Jones, 2024 Eagles with Milton & Carter, and the 2025 Seahawks with Byron Murphy and Leonard Williams. 

Now it’s the Bengals’ turn, and with players like Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson not fully panning out, they need an infusion of talent during NFL Free Agency. While DJ Reader entering his age-32 season wouldn’t be a star, it would be a cheap way to start out the offseason.

More NFL Content From TWSN

The Tua Tagovailoa Situation Points to the NFL’s Biggest Problem

Steelers Land Kyler Murray in Blockbuster NFL Trade Scenario

Lamar Jackson is the Issue for the Baltimore Ravens

DJ Reader Signing with the Bengals Prediction

The Bengals are caught between a rock and a hard place because most of the elite NFL defensive tackles are found via the NFL Draft in round one, via trade, or paying top dollar in free agency (like the Seahawks’ Leonard Williams, Cowboys’ Quinnen Williams, or Patriots’ Milton Williams). 

My first thought would be to obviously explore the trade market for two players: Jeffery Simmons and Dexter Lawrence. They would have to give up a 2nd round pick at minimum, and potentially a first-rounder, so it’s not likely but would be worth the investment. 

The NFL Draft route is intriguing, as recent players like Walter Nolen, Byron Murphy II, and Jalen Carter have all been extremely productive. With the Bengals spot right in the Top-10, you’re likely looking at Peter Woods and Caleb Downs as the two options, but I’m not sold on either at that spot yet.

That brings us to NFL Free Agency, where there is no Milton Williams in the 2026 class, but rather veterans who could be solid role players.

Why the Bengals Would Sign DJ Reader in NFL Free Agency

The Bengals defensive line room needs to get shaken up, and all they have right now is TJ Slaton, who is a solid role player at the nose tackle spot, and BJ Hill making $11 million to be an average 3-tech. Kris Jenkins has been a major disappointment and cannot be relied upon right now in a championship team.

That brings us to Reader, who is a familiar face to Cincinnati fans and would be a high-quality role player. Cincinnati tends to have a type when it comes to outside acquisitions: familiarity with the player and cheap contracts. Reader would hit both of these marks.

Reader wouldn’t bring a dominant pass rush to the Bengals, but what he would bring is stability, and someone who can help the Bengals with stopping the run before they earn the right to rush the passer. If Cincinnati is looking to build a dominant defensive line, they need to hit the trade market or draft one in Rounds 1-2.

DJ Reader Contract

Bengals Content Creator Drew Garrison discussed his projected contract from PFF of one-year and $4.5 million, and according to Spotrac, Reader is valued at $3.9 million for a one-year deal. This contract would be a saving grace for Cincinnati because that is undoubtedly in the Bengals’ wheelhouse.

DJ Reader Stats

17 games (17 starts): 28 tackles, 583 defensive snaps, PFF defensive grade: 68.5 (36th out of 142), PFF run defense grade: 61.7 (35th out of 146), PFF tackling grade: 59.8 (35th out of 142), PFF pass rush grade: 71.8 (23rd out of 122).

Related

Subscribe to the TWSN Newsletter for original reporting, bold opinions, and real analysis across NFL, NBA, UFC, College Football, and more.

Straight to your inbox. Always authentic.

Sign up now and never miss a moment.