Buffalo Bills: D.J. Reader would add to formidable defense

The Buffalo Bills have reportedly looked at D.J. Reader as a target for the defensive line which would add another talented player to an area of strength on the team.

While the Buffalo Bills defense is a clear area of strength, the team is reportedly looking to add to that group with the free-agent negotiating window now open.

Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reported that the Bills are among the teams who are looking to sign defensive tackle D.J. Reader. The interior of the defensive line has been a big point of emphasis for the team considering their secondary is among the best in the league.

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If Jordan Phillips leaves in free agency, the need to add Reader could become more of a need than a desire but the team has to think about the potential cost as well. According to ESPN, Reader could be looking to make roughly $12 million per season which might be a lot to pay considering the Bills have other big needs to address.

Here is the scouting report from Justin DiLoro of the Bills Wire on the former Clemson Tiger.

"Reader has been incredibly healthy in his career, playing in at least 14 games in all four of his seasons. In 61 career games, he has 154 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 6.5 career stats. In 2019, he improved his pass-rushing skills, as he recorded 2.5 sacks and 13 QB hits. Prior to the season, he had 11 total career QB hits in his first three seasons combined."

Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien has made it known how dependable, tough and smart the 25-year-old has been during his time in Texas. Considering Sean McDermott‘s background as a defensive coach, he could certainly find a way to maximize Reader’s talents.

Of course, the Bills could easily get outbid in their pursuit for Reader as the Broncos are reportedly willing to go all-in for the free agent. Denver has some key free agents that will need to be replaced if they leave so that could make things tough on them especially with Vic Fangio looking to get his hands on some big-time defensive players.

Keep up with the latest free agent news in our free-agent tracker. 

What do you think about the idea of adding Reader in free agency? Should the Bills be prioritizing another area instead? Let us know in the comments below.