Nolan Bianchi, The Detroit News
Updated Tue, May 5, 2026 at 6:58 PM UTC
Defensive tackle DJ Reader will not be returning to the Detroit Lions in 2025.
Reader, who spent two years in Detroit (2024-25), intends to sign a two-year deal with the New York Giants, a source close to negotiations confirmed to The Detroit News on Tuesday.
Defensive tackle DJ Reader will not be returning to the Lions in 2025, signing with the New York Giants.
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Reader, 31, played 1,091 snaps over his two seasons in Detroit and played an important role on the defensive line last season, when the Lions were dealing with the absence of Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike.
Over two seasons in Detroit, Reader played in all but two games. He had three sacks, 51 combined tackles and four tackles-for-loss.
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: DJ Reader to leave Detroit Lions, sign with New York Giants