The Detroit Lions surprised many fans and analysts during the first round of the NFL Draft by selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams with the No. 28 pick. While many expected the Lions to go with an edge rusher, Williams’ size and power inside made him a tempting option, especially as Detroit looks to continue building a stout run defense. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 334 pounds, the former Buckeye is poised to make an impact right away.
But the selection also raises questions about veteran DJ Reader’s future in Detroit. Reader is entering the final year of his deal and will turn 31 during the 2025 playoffs. Despite a career-high 3.0 sacks last season, his production hasn’t quite matched his cap hit — he’s set to count for $12.9 million this season with only 23 tackles over 15 games.
With a rookie like Williams coming in on a team-friendly deal and several young stars like Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta soon due for new contracts, Reader’s hefty price tag could be tough to justify. If the Lions designate him as a post-June 1 cut, they’d eat $5.2 million in dead money but save nearly $7.7 million in cap space.
Williams brings promise for the future, and his arrival might mark the beginning of the end for DJ Reader in Detroit.
