DJ Reader on Future With Bengals: 'Hopefully They Believe in Your Boy'

The 28-year-old is entering the last year of his contract.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals' success in free agency has helped them win back-to-back AFC North Championships and two-straight conference title games. 

Defensive tackle DJ Reader was their first free agent addition in 2020. 

The star nose tackle is one of the best at his position and arguably the best player on Lou Anarumo's defense. 

Reader is entering the final year of a four-year, $53 million contract. The Bengals didn't take a nose tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft, which could mean a potential extension for the veteran. 

"Hopefully they believe in your boy," Reader said with a laugh when asked about his contract. "I'll be around."

The Bengals have added plenty of defensive reinforcements in the draft over the past two seasons, including safeties Dax Hill, Jordan Battle and Tycen Anderson. 

They also took defensive end Myles Murphy and cornerback DJ Turner II in this year's draft. 

The one position Cincinnati hasn't addressed is defensive tackle, which could bode well for Reader's future with the team.

"No, that's not something I really worry about," Reader said. "I wasn't really surprised. I didn't think that we would take one early anyway and then you kinda get later in the draft and you go best available for a while. You picked all those defensive players early. You kinda had to grab some guys on offense late, just mix it up a little bit.

"Wasn't really thinking about it. This D-tackle class on nose guards wasn't really huge either. A lot of tweener guys that you can slide inside [and] outside."

The Bengals are working on a long-term extension with Joe Burrow. Tee Higgins and Logan Wilson are also extension eligible. 

Reader may end up becoming the one defensive veteran they sign to a third contract after bringing in plenty of experienced players in free agency over the past few years. 

He's eligible to sign an extension at anytime.  

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