Former Houston Texans defensive lineman D.J. Reader has agreed to sign a four-year, $53 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
The Denver Broncos were interested in Reader but his $13.25 million-per-year average might have been too costly for general manager John Elway. Seattle Seahawks pending free agent defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson remains an option for Denver.
Reader (6-3, 347 pounds) was selected by the Texans in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Clemson. He totaled 72 tackles — including nine tackles for losses — and four sacks during his four years with the Tigers.
In Houston, Reader served mostly as a rotational defensive lineman as a rookie, totaling 22 tackles and one sack. He emerged as a full-time starter in 2017 and recorded 47 tackles and one sack.
Last season, Reader had a career year with 52 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He’s a nose tackle who is tasked with clogging up the middle of the field.
Reader has totaled 154 tackles and 6.5 sacks over the last four seasons.
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