Cowboys and Vikings Emerge as Top Suitors for Veteran Defensive Tackle

D.J. Reader, a 128-game starting defender, is drawing interest from Dallas and Minnesota in free agency.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:04am

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The Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings have emerged as the top landing spots for veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader, who is currently a free agent after spending the 2025 season with the Detroit Lions. Reader, a 31-year-old run-stopping specialist, started 17 games for the Lions last year and is seen as a valuable addition to bolster the defensive tackle positions for both the Cowboys and Vikings.

Why it matters

The Cowboys and Vikings are both in need of depth and experience at the defensive tackle position. Reader's 128 games of starting experience would provide a significant boost to either team's defensive front, especially against the run. His signing could help solidify the interior of the defensive line for a playoff contender.

The details

Reader is not known as a prolific pass rusher, but has established himself as a high-end starter and a "legitimate force against the run." In 2025 with the Lions, he recorded 15 defensive stops and 20 quarterback pressures. The Cowboys have a need at defensive tackle after trading away Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, while the Vikings lost Jonathan Allen to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, leaving a hole at the nose tackle position.

  • Reader will turn 32 this summer.

The players

D.J. Reader

A 31-year-old defensive tackle who started 17 games for the Detroit Lions in 2025, recording 15 defensive stops and 20 quarterback pressures.

Dallas Cowboys

An NFL team in need of depth and experience at the defensive tackle position after trading away Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas.

Minnesota Vikings

An NFL team in need of a traditional nose tackle after losing Jonathan Allen to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“D.J. Reader will turn 32 this summer and isn't the sort of attacking interior pass-rusher that many teams want at defensive tackle. However, he remains a high-end starter, a legitimate force against the run, and a very durable defender.”

— Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report Writer

The takeaway

The Cowboys and Vikings are both in need of a veteran presence at defensive tackle, and D.J. Reader could be the perfect fit for either team. His run-stopping ability and durability make him an appealing free agent target, as both franchises look to bolster their defensive fronts ahead of the 2026 season.