Pundits have continued to discuss wide receiver as the biggest need for the New England Patriots in the week-plus since the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s hard to ignore the topic with plenty of drama still surrounding a potential A.J. Brown trade. But the Patriots have other remaining positional needs, one of which The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed argued the team could address with veteran D.J. Reader.
On Tuesday, Kyed listed seven veterans New England could still target to bolster their roster. Along the defensive line interior, Kyed named Reader a candidate to add.
“The Patriots never replaced Khyiris Tonga, who signed with the Chiefs in free agency this offseason. Reader, 31, would give them an experienced defender with a similar body type,” wrote Kyed.
“Currently, the Patriots are counting on young players like Joshua Farmer, Leonard Taylor III and Eric Gregory to back up Milton Williams, Christian Barmore and Cory Durden.
“That could certainly work, but none of those players are as stout as Tonga.”
Reader has started 128 games over his 10-year NFL career. Last season, he had 28 combined tackles and four quarterback hits with the Detroit Lions.
According to Spotrac, Reader has earned $78.96 million playing in the NFL.
How Defensive Lineman D.J. Reader Could Fit With Patriots
As Kyed explained, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga was an underrated loss for the Patriots in NFL free agency. Tonga started a career-high eight games for New England last season. He posted 24 combined tackles, including two tackles for loss with two pass defenses.
Those statistics don’t jump off the page, but Tonga clogged the middle of the line. He also often took on multiple blockers in the pass rush to open other defenders to make plays.
Without Tonga, former undrafted free agent Cory Durden could play a much bigger role on New England’s defense this fall.
The Patriots could push Durden back into more of a reserve role by adding Reader. The 10-year veteran has posted 328 combined tackles, 12.5 sacks, nine pass defenses and a forced fumble in 137 NFL games.
Reader’s best statistical season came with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. He had 43 combined tackles, including three tackles for loss. Reader also registered seven quarterback hits and two sacks in that campaign.
The Houston Texans drafted Reader at No. 166 overall in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. After four seasons with the Texans, he spent four years with the Bengals. Reader played the past two campaigns with the Lions.
Other Potential Targets for New England
Reader was one of four defensive veterans Kyed suggested the Patriots could still pursue this offseason. The Boston Herald’s beat reporter named one defender for each area of the team’s defense.
On offense, Kyed labeled wide receiver A.J. Brown his obvious potential target. Kyed also named running back Jeremy McNichols and offensive lineman Trystan Colon potential additions.
Spotrac projected Reader to possess a market value of about $7.74 million on a 2-year deal this offseason. That would pay Reader an average annual salary of roughly $3.9 million.
If the Patriots don’t add Reader or another defensive tackle, Durden could see the biggest increase in playing time. However, New England has six defensive tackles listed on its offseason roster. The other five are Christian Barmore, Joshua Farmer, Eric Gregory, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and Milton Williams.
Patriots Urged to Consider Adding $79 Million Veteran to Fill Remaining Need