While the Houston Texans have locked up one of their two interior defensive linemen this offseason, another one is set to hit the open market in D.J. Reader.
On March 18 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, when the new league year begins, Reader becomes an unrestricted free agent and can negotiate with any team he pleases.
No other team knows how impactful Reader can be than Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who was the Texans’ defensive coordinator in 2017 and predated Reader’s 2016 arrival as a fifth-round pick from Clemson by two seasons.
Don’t be surprised if the Titans make a run at Reader. Tennessee has a defensive tackle of their own hitting free agency in Austin Johnson. If the Texans wanted to upgrade, they could go with Reader.
“I was lucky to have coached [Reader], been a part of the coaching staff,” Vrabel told the Houston media on a conference call on Dec. 11, 2019. “I think [Reader is] playing at a high level, I would say a Pro Bowl level.
“D.J. has continued to improve his pass rush, his ability to affect the passer. He’s a great run defender, his technique is always very good.”
Reader would finish the season with 52 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in his 15 games for Houston.