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

The 28-year-old is entering the last year of his contract.
In this story:

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.  

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

NFL Insider Says Joe Burrow Should Sign Unprecedented Contract Tied to Salary Cap

Duke Tobin on Joe Burrow's Contract Extension: 'Katie's On Top Of That One'

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky Ranks New York Jets Ahead of Bengals in AFC Hierarchy

Willie Anderson Highlights Reggie Williams, Corey Dillon Among Bengals Ring of Honor Candidates

Look: The 33rd Team Ranks Zac Taylor Outside Top-10 NFL Head Coaches

Report: Local Family Details Joe Burrow Foundation Aiding Them During Difficult Time

Look: La'el Collins Posts Encouraging Video as Rehab From Knee Surgery Continues

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler: 'No Doubt' Joe Burrow Will Be NFL's Highest-Paid Player

Look: DraftKings Sportsbook Makes Bengals Favorites in Vast Majority of 2023-24 Games

Joe Burrow on Potential Contract Extension With Bengals: 'I'm Pretty Clear on What I Want'

Ja'Marr Chase Wants to Set Bengals Single Season Catch Record

Joe Burrow Admits He's Involved in Contract Extension Talks With Bengals

Jordan Battle On Impressive Football Acumen: Combine Interview 'For Showing How Smart I Am'

Rookie Report: How Charlie Jones Impressed Darrin Simmons and Andrei Iosivas's Perfect Draft Day Celebration

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel

Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok


Published
James Rapien
JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals On SI. He's also the host of the Locked on Bengals podcast and Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. The Cincinnati native also wrote a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals called Enter The Jungle. Prior to joining Bengals On SI, Rapien worked at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati