Predicting Where D.J. Reader Will Play in 2026
Pro Football Focus predicts D.J. Reader could land with the Raiders as one of the top remaining free agents.
One of the most intriguing names still sitting on the free-agent market is former Detroit Lions defensive tackle D. J. Reader .
And according to Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker , there is a clear landing spot that makes a lot of sense. Raiders emerge as logical fit for D. J.
Reader In a recent breakdown of the best remaining free agents and their ideal destinations, Locker identified the Las Vegas Raiders as a strong match for Reader, who ranks No. 21 overall on PFF’s free-agent board. The reasoning starts with need.
“Despite suggestions that the Raiders would capitalize on a Day 2 rich with defensive tackle talent, the team instead opted to grab Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes. In turn, that leaves Las Vegas in major need of an interior defender,” Locker wrote. That gap in the middle of the defense could open the door for a veteran like Reader.