The Washington Commanders may still be in the market for a defensive tackle. The team moved on from Jonathan Allen this offseason and replaced him with Javon Kinlaw, who posted a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2024 with the New York Jets.
Though Kinlaw is coming off a career year, it would be wise for the Commanders to add another interior defensive lineman to the roster. Last Word on Sports’ Anthony Palacios believes Washington should look to trade for Detroit Lions defensive tackle D.J. Reader.
“Many Commander fans were not happy to see the team sign defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. No doubt, they need more explosiveness in their defense after losing Jonathan Allen and a few veterans like Chase Young over the years. Since they lost the 2024 season sack leader, Dante Fowler Jr., they could make up for it by trading for D.J. Reader to give Kinlaw some relief if he doesn’t perform up to standards,” Palacios wrote.
Reader’s future with the Lions is uncertain, as he is entering the final year of his deal, and the Lions just used a first-round selection on Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. Additionally, Detroit is deep on the interior of the defensive line, and moving on from an expensive Reader would be a logical move.
If the Lions decide to deal Williams, Washington would be an intriguing landing spot. The veteran would compete with Kinlaw for the starting spot next to Daron Payne and add some experience to the Commanders’ defense.
Reader also shouldn’t cost too much to trade for, as a Day 3 pick should be enough to get a deal done with the Lions. However, he is on the last year of his contract, so there is a little bit of risk involved.
Washington needs their defense to elevate in 2025 to have a chance to compete for the Super Bowl. Though Reader isn’t a flashy player, the 30-year-old is a solid run defender who will play winning football for the Commanders and be a fantastic piece in Dan Quinn’s defense.
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