Following the 2024 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions might part ways with a key piece of last season’s defense due to increased competition at his position.
Many anticipated Detroit would target an edge rusher early in the draft to bolster their defensive front. Instead, they used their first-round pick on Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, selecting him 28th overall.
With Williams now in the mix, the Lions’ interior defensive line is overcrowded. He joins a deep group that includes Alim McNeill, D.J. Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez, and Brodric Martin.
Onwuzurike recently re-signed, and Lopez was brought in as a free agent. McNeill, a rising star on the defensive line, secured a four-year, $97 million extension last fall, securing his place on the roster. Martin, a third-round selection in 2022, is still on his rookie deal and doesn’t weigh heavily on the salary cap.
This logjam may place Reader in a vulnerable spot. Despite his experience, he’s been mentioned throughout the offseason as a possible cap casualty. If the Lions retain him, he’ll account for nearly $13 million against the cap in 2025. Letting him go would reduce that figure to under $5 million in dead money, freeing up room to pursue help on the edge—an area they still need to reinforce.
Reader’s performance in 2024 didn’t quite match his salary. He was on the field for just over half of Detroit’s defensive snaps and offered limited impact. Pro Football Focus ranked him 55th among interior defenders in pressures, 82nd in stops, and 113th in solo tackles. With his 31st birthday approaching, there’s concern about a potential drop-off in production.
Meanwhile, the Lions may hesitate to restrict Williams’ opportunities in his rookie campaign after spending a first-round pick on him. Even with McNeill potentially missing the season opener, the team appears well-stocked with Onwuzurike, Lopez, Martin, and Williams to carry the load.
As interior defensive linemen have grown more valuable across the league, Detroit could field trade offers for Reader from teams looking to strengthen their defensive trenches. Given their surplus at the position, exploring trade possibilities seems like a logical move.