In trading Micah Parsons, Jerry Jones made it clear he wanted to prioritize stopping the run. While few agreed with moving one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, the Dallas Cowboys’ struggles in that area were undeniable. They allowed 125.5 rushing yards per game, ranking 23rd in the league.
Unfortunately, it didn't translate to much success as opposing quarterbacks threw all over Matt Eberflus' hapless secondary. The run defense improved, but losing Parsons proved to be too much for the defensive line to overcome. Shocker, right?
With Jones still focused on stopping the run, he's got the perfect free agent sitting under his nose now.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named the best fits for the top remaining free agents, including veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader. The soon-to-be 32-year-old is still a starting-caliber interior presence and fits Jones' stop-the-run agenda.
D.J. Reader makes a lot of sense as a Dallas Cowboys free agency target
"Despite playing through a back injury this past season, Reader started all 17 games for the Lions and recorded 28 tackles. He has appeared in at least 14 games in each of the past three seasons.
Reader would be a great addition for the Dallas Cowboys, who traded away Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas. He could serve as a run-stuffing specialist behind Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams to help boost a defense that allowed 4.7 yards per carry in 2025."
Knox adds that the Vikings are a potential suitor as well after losing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in moves to create cap space.
Reader is the type of player the Cowboys could’ve used all last year, as Mazi Smith continued to flame out before he was sent to the New York Jets as part of the Quinnen Williams trade. Now, Reader is in a familiar position once again, still waiting for his opportunity.
You're probably thinking, 'Why would Dallas sign another proven DT after they just traded Osa Odighizuwa to circumvent the financial logjam?' Well, Reader would hardly be a big investment, as Pro Football Focus projects him to sign a one-year, $4.5 million deal.
Reader would be affordable, and the Cowboys may not be done adding to their defensive tackle room. As it stands, they have Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, and Jay Toia. If Jerry Jones wants to add even more depth after trading Odighizuwa, he'd be hard-pressed to find a better fit than Reader.