Context:

The Dallas Cowboys, known for their struggling run defense, are being advised to consider acquiring Detroit Lions' defensive lineman D.J. Reader to enhance their defensive line. Despite Reader's recent injury setbacks, he demonstrated his value in 2024 with solid performance metrics, making him an attractive candidate for a trade or post-release signing. However, a trade seems improbable as the Lions are unlikely to part with Reader due to the uncertain status of their star defensive lineman Alim McNeill, who is recovering from an ACL injury. The Lions' need for depth and Reader's role as a crucial player in their lineup further complicate any potential trade discussions. The Cowboys have shown willingness to leverage future draft capital, but the Lions' circumstances may prevent them from capitalizing on this opportunity.

Dive Deeper:

• The Dallas Cowboys have been advised to target Detroit Lions' D.J. Reader to bolster their defensive line, as they had one of the worst run defenses in the previous NFL season.

• D.J. Reader, despite injuries in recent years, proved reliable in 2024 with a career-high in sacks and a notable PFF run-defense grade, making him a valuable asset for any team in need of defensive improvement.

• The Cowboys, who recently traded for wide receiver George Pickens, are not averse to leveraging future draft picks, potentially facilitating a trade for Reader.

• The Lions are unlikely to trade Reader due to the uncertain recovery timeline of their key defensive player, Alim McNeill, who is recovering from a significant ACL injury.

• Detroit's decision to retain Reader is also influenced by their need for depth following an injury-plagued 2024 season, making it critical to maintain stable defensive personnel.

• Mason Cameron from Pro Football Focus emphasizes that Reader, with his high run-defense grade, would be a significant upgrade for the Cowboys, particularly given their current defensive lineup challenges.

• Despite the ongoing speculation, the Lions' recent moves, including re-signing Levi Onwuzurike and drafting Tyleik Williams, indicate their strategy to preserve defensive depth and stability.

• The Dallas Cowboys recently pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver George Pickens, but now an analyst wants to see the Cowboys make a big move on defense in a trade with the Detroit Lions.

• The Cowboys sported one of the worst run defenses in the NFL last season, with the team surrendering 137.1 yards per game, the fourth-worst mark in the league.

• In order to help that situation going into 2025, Pro Football Focus' Mason Cameron wants to see the Cowboys trade for Detroit Lions defensive lineman, D.J. Reader.

• "Dallas hasn’t been afraid to leverage future draft capital this offseason and should consider monitoring another opportunity," he wrote. "The Lions’ D.J. Reader has been considered a cut candidate and could fit in nicely with the Cowboys, whether through a trade or a post-release signing. Reader boasts a 91st-percentile PFF run-defense grade over the past three seasons."

• Once considered an elite interior defender, Reader saw his career go off the rails a bit in recent years due to multiple significant injuries. However, he was able to stay healthy in 2024 in his first year with the Lions and was a key contributor.

• Reader posted a career-high three sacks and was a serviceable run defender with a PFF grade of 61.0, although we've seen him post better marks during his career.

• Reader would be a definite upgrade for Dallas upfront, where the team is slated to start disappointing former first-round pick Mazi Smith next to Osa Odighizuwa.

• But there's a huge problem with this scenario.

• The Lions are highly unlikely to trade or cut Reader, even after the re-signing of Levi Onwuzurike and the draft selection of Tyleik Williams in the first round.

• That's because the status of star defensive lineman Alim McNeill for the beginning of 2025 is currently up in the air after he tore his ACL last December.

• Detroit knows full well just how important it is to have depth after an injury-riddled 2024 campaign and there is just no world where they let Reader go with McNeill's uncertain status.

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