Detroit Lions News: Reader Taken Away, But 49ers Loss Still Hurts
With the signing of inside defensive lineman D.J. Reader to a two-year, $27.25 million contract that includes a $9 million guarantee, the Lions have taken a step toward resolving their upfront concerns and returning to the Super Bowl. Ian Rapoport of NFL Insider has the latest information.
The big guy is not only on his way to Detroit, but he also looks to be in excellent health, prepared to start playing right away and pursue a championship with a squad and coach that came dangerously close to winning the NFC Championship Game 34–31 against the San Francisco 49ers the previous season.
Twenty times, Christian McCaffrey carried the ball for ninety yards and two touchdowns. It would have helped deter him from hammering away at the Lions, but he was destroying teams all last year, especially in the playoffs. A player like Reader may have slowed down San Francisco down enough to win in an inches-only game.
It will be intriguing to watch how Cincinnati replaces him, though. Critiquing Cincinnati for letting him go isn’t fair. He was thinking about what he could do, and he considered quitting. Guys like Aaron Donald and Chris Jones, for example, have had a significant impact in Super Bowl runs. Despite being completely different players, Chris and the other have rings.
And D.J. has also been close, even though the Lions have. Remember that in 2022, he and Joe Burrow were just a few plays away from defeating the Rams in the Super Bowl. A player who has reached the big game and has the ability to make a significant effect is leaving a team that isn’t quite at that level and joining a squad that can help him return. Everything adds up.
And D.J. has also been close, even though the Lions have. Remember that in 2022, he and Joe Burrow were just a few plays away from defeating the Rams in the Super Bowl. A player who has reached the big game and has the ability to make a significant effect is leaving a team that isn’t quite at that level and joining a squad that can help him return. Everything adds up.
