March 24, 2026, 10:22 a.m. CT
We have really hammered home that the Vikings need to address the defensive line position.
The Minnesota Vikings found themselves in a tough spot as it relates to their salary cap and roster. The result of that was the team let general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah go, and in the interim, those became Rob Brzezinski ‘s problem. The first thing he had to do was clear some cap space, as most teams do, but some notable names were cut along the way, and they were all along the defensive line.
Now, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox is suggesting one for them to target as he named them a “best fit” for defensive lineman DJ Reader.
Reader played with the Detroit Lions in 2025, so he is familiar with the NFC North and the Vikings. Knox explains his reasoning, though, writing, “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. . .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.”
Reader is a dominant run stuffer, something the Vikings need in the middle. It would help the linebackers behind them, it would help the pass rush, making the offense not rely on the run game as much, and it all would lead to Brian Flores being able to scheme in an even more aggressive fashion than he already does.
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