Defensive Tackle Market Growing, Could Impact DJ Reader's Future With Cincinnati Bengals

Will the Bengals keep Reader?
In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Chiefs agreed to a record-setting deal with star defensive tackle Chris Jones on Saturday night. 

ESPN's Dan Graziano believes it could impact the market for interior defenders, including DJ Reader. 

"After Chris Jones landed a big deal on Saturday night, Miami's Christian Wilkins is likely to be a hot name, with contending teams such as the Texans and Lions looking to upgrade at that position," Graziano wrote. "Other defensive tackles people around the league believe could land nice deals include the Colts' Grover Stewart, the Seahawks' Leonard Williams and Bengals run-stuffer DJ Reader. Jones' five-year deal and the four-year, $98 million deal the Ravens gave Madubuike on Friday night are only going to help the defensive tackles at the top of the market get paid."

Reader is still recovering after suffering a torn quad tendon in December. The Bengals want to keep the veteran, but it sounds like there could be multiple teams vying for his services. 

If the Bengals don't re-sign him, they could pivot to former Titans and Texans defensive tackle Teair Tart or former Dolphins defensive tackle Raekwon Davis. Stewart is another possibility

Reader will be 30 on July 1. He had 34 tackles and one sack in 13 games last season before getting injured in the Bengals' thrilling win over the Vikings at Paycor Stadium on Dec. 16.

Get the Latest NFL Offseason News on fuboTV! Start your free trial here.

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:

Bengals QBs Coach Brad Kragthorpe Tells Favorite Joe Burrow Story: 'That Was Easy'

Bengals Meeting With Top Tight End Prospects, Including Georgia Star Brock Bowers

Duke Tobin Vague on Joe Mixon's Future: 'Not Going to Get Into That'

Dan Pitcher, Justin Rascati on Boosting Cincinnati's Explosive Playmaking: 'Stems From Marriage of Run and Pass'

Look: Joe Burrow Has Started 2024 Offseason Training Program

Will Bengals Sign Veteran Punter in Free Agency?

Bengals Preparing for More Tackle Turnover, Could Address Offensive Line in Draft and Free Agency

Watch: Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase Meet Up With LeBron James Following Lakers Game

Look: Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Other Bengals Stars Attend Lakers Matchup Against Suns

Mike Evans Perfect Fit for Cincinnati Bengals in Free Agency?

Report: Cincinnati Hires New Mexico State Assistant Ronnie Regula as Quality Control Coach

Ja'Marr Chase's Fifth-Year Option Salary Officially Set Ahead of 2024 Season

Patriots Offensive Lineman Michael Onwenu Fires Agent With Free Agency Looming

Paul Dehner Jr. on Joe Mixon's Future in Cincinnati: 'Don't Have a Reason' For Bengals to Keep Him

Look: Joe Burrow Leads NFL Quarterbacks in Clutch-Time Statistic This Century

-----

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