DJ Reader Contract Details Revealed

Lions used void years to spread out overall salary cap hit.

The contract details of Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader indicate there are likely incentives built in that could make the overall value reach the reported $27.25 million. 

Based on a review of his contract, the actual value of his deal is near two years at $21 million. 

General manager Brad Holmes has typically used void years added on to a contract to spread out the overall cap hit of a signing bonus. 

Readers deal included $6.2 million received as a signing bonus. 

The veteran defensive lineman will carry a cap hit of $5,303,000 in 2024 and $12,243,000 in 2025. 

Despite suffering a quad injury that ended his 2023 season, the 29-year-old still recalls having the best season of his career following a similar injury in 2020. 

Lions Listed as Free Agency Winners

"Last quad injury, came back, went to the Super Bowl, got a sack in the Super Bowl, balled out. It's the same confidence here. That's why I tell you that you never let people paint the vision of what you see in the mirror," Reader told local reporters after he signed in Detroit. "Never let anybody paint your picture. You know who you are. You see it every day. Look at yourself, you know who you are, feel confident in that. I couldn't be more confident in where I'm going to be."

Here's a closer look at Reader's contract, per OverTheCap.com

2024

• Base salary: $1,210,000
• Prorated bonus: $1,243,333
• Dead cap money: $7,425,000
• Cap number: $5,303,000
• Per game roster bonus: $1,275,000

2025

• Base salary: $6,290,000
• Prorated bonus: $1,243,333
• Dead cap money: $4,972,000
• Cap number: $12,243,000
• Per game roster bonus: $510,000

2026

• Base salary: Void 
• Prorated bonus: $1,243,333
• Dead cap money: $3,729,000
• Cap number: $3,729,000
• Per game roster bonus: Void

2027

• Base salary: Void
• Prorated bonus: $1,243,333
• Dead cap money: $2,486,000
• Cap number: 0
• Per game roster bonus: Void

2028

• Base salary: Void
• Prorated bonus: $1,243,333
• Dead cap money: $1,243,000
• Cap number: 0
• Per game roster bonus: Void