The Cleveland Browns’ defense made significant improvements in 2023 under new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, and they could be getting a massive upgrade at the defensive tackle position.
Cleveland Browns Could Go For D.J. Reader
A report from the Score came out Sunday stating the Cleveland Browns could be very interested in Bengal’s defensive tackle D.J. Reader.
Reader will be 30 years old this year and has spent eight seasons in the NFL, his first four with the Houston Texans and his last four with the Bengals.
Browns Need Help On The D-Line
Reader has been a solid pro and could come in and help beef up the Browns’ defensive line. Cleveland went out last March and signed Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, who is helping beef up the line. Now, the Cleveland Browns have some decisions to make this offseason since they have a handful of defensive tackles heading to free agency.
Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst, and Jordan Elliott are all free agents and could be heading to a new home, so the Browns must sign a veteran at that position.
The Browns currently only have two defensive tackles on their roster, who will be on the roster come opening day in Tomlinson and last year’s third-round pick, Siaki Ika. Therefore, the Browns are going to need to add another three defensive tackles to the roster in either free agency or the draft.
Reader would be a good fit to have him start with Tomlinson, and he could also help mentor the young defensive tackles in Ika and whoever the Browns draft this year.
The Browns could also take Reader away from a division rival, making it a double win for Cleveland. You get to sign a great player and take him away from a team in your division. You have to play twice a year and compete for a playoff spot.
