When the former Detroit Lions nose tackle DJ Reader decided to leave the franchise, speculations emerged that the Cincinnati Bengals might open the door again. But Reader have closed reunion talk with the Bengals as he signed a new contract with the New York Giants.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the two-year deal is worth the base value of $ 12.5 million. It could be worth as much as $15.5 million, adding on his performance bonuses.

During his second season in Cincinnati, Reader helped lead the Bengals to three playoff victories and a Super Bowl LVI appearance. He notched a sack in the narrow loss to the Los Angeles Rams and earned the team’s Ed Block Courage Award at season’s end.

Last season with Detroit, he did not miss a single regular-season game. In 2025, he racked up 28 tackles and four quarterback hits.

The reason he was allowed to go was the Lions' prioritizing a younger defensive core. They'll be putting their trust in former 1st-round draft pick Tyleik Williams.

“I think the Lions would’ve gladly welcomed him back, but not at that price,” said Jeremy Reisman of SB Nation. “They have been in ultra-savings mode. Only one free agent signing/re-signing has averaged more the $5M a year.”

In New York, the defensive tackle position was just left vacant after they shipped their three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Dexter Lawrence, to the Bengals.

The need for a well-built tank in defense is what prompted the 31-year-old Reader's move to New York. His addition gives the Giants the type of 0-technique they lacked in 2025 after Lawrence’s departure. His ability to absorb double teams should help keep linebackers free to make plays.

According to ESPN, Reader led the NFL with a 71.7% double-team rate last season.

Why the DJ Reader and Bengals Reunion Was Never Happening

Back in Cincinnati, Reader was a two-time team captain. At the same time, his four-year, $53 million contract from 2020 was the largest in Bengals history at the time.

Cincinnati had even explored a reunion with Reader earlier in the offseason. But things flipped when Lawrence arrived, carrying a price tag of a first-round NFL Draft pick and an extra $28 million.

Along with the Giants, the Baltimore Ravens, too, were interested in Reader. He even paid a visit to the Ravens’ camp, just two weeks after they traded for his former teammate, Trey Hendrickson. But they went with signing Calais Campbell at the defensive tackle position.

With a starting role now in place, Reader joins the Giants, hoping to climb higher under first-year head coach John Harbaugh and young quarterback Jaxson Dart.

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Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar