Bengals sound ready to prioritize DJ Reader’s return in free agency

The Cincinnati Bengals seemed like a question mark in regards to defensive tackle DJ Reader this offseason.

Reader, set to be a free agent after suffering a torn quad last December, is one of the five best interior nose tackle in the NFL when healthy. But the injury timing and seriousness of the team’s need made it hard to tell how the Bengals might approach the situation.

Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin, though, seemed to shut down any speculation while fielding questions at the scouting combine.

“We think he’s going to get through it and be just fine,” Tobin said. “We’re talking to him like a lot of our UFAs and seeing if there’s an opportunity.”

Reader continues to rehab in Cincinnati, and the Bengals would be wise to have an interest in a reunion if it looks like he’s on pace to fully come back from his second serious quad injury in recent years.

What remains to be seen is the construction of a deal for a player coming off that type of injury and just how long into next season (if at all?) Reader might have to miss.

Either way, the Bengals seem to have a direction in mind with the defensive line, though it’ll remain a big need even if Reader re-signs quickly.

LIVE: Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin speaks to the media at the #NFLCombine

https://t.co/bzFUg5R2so

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) February 27, 2024