CW: DJ Reader Projected to be Cowboys Target

Reader would not be an expensive option for Dallas in 2025. He has a salary of about $6.6 million and per game bonuses which could total another $510,000. He also has some incentives but they don't amount to much. Basically ready could cost the Cowboys about $7 million and some change. But he is in the last year of his deal. But they like 1 year deal so Reader seems to be a fit in Dallas. This trade if finalized after June 1 would give Detroit an $11 million CAP save this year. But they don't really need it since they are already $39 million under the CAP.

Reader would be an upgrade for Dallas. The only question is, what would it cost to acquire him?

I am not a fan of paying full value for players with 1 year left on their contracts. Even if he cost Dallas a 5th next year, it still seems like a high price to pay for a guy who will only be hear 1 year. Then again, it would be a big boost for a defense that needs a big boost.
 
Ok now THIS is what they need to do….or something similar.

It would make the Pickens rental make a lot more sense to me.

This team would have an actual chance with another real DT. Cannot be counting on seventh rounders to ever develop at all, let alone help immediately.

I mean, if there’s any truth to this, at least they understand that they need help there.
 
I don't see it happening based on how the Cowboys FO generally treats their commitments to their 1st round selections. Mazi Smith is an investment they intend to see all the way through, IMO.

I would not be averse to them going after Reader if he is released. Or if they can get him for a 6th or 7th round pick because the Lions would want something for him before releasing him. That would allow Dallas to avoid a free agent bidding war for his services on the open market.

Just don't see this happening without them going to camp and seeing what Mazi Smith and the other DTs look like.
 
McClay should definitely wear the “L” for advocating for Mazi.

Dude has nearly zero production at Michigan and clearly they didn’t do enough investigating about his football character and passion for the game.

I haven’t given up on him but this is his 3rd year and proverbial “make it or break it” season as far as I’m concerned.
 
Reader would not be an expensive option for Dallas in 2025. He has a salary of about $6.6 million and per game bonuses which could total another $510,000. He also has some incentives but they don't amount to much. Basically ready could cost the Cowboys about $7 million and some change. But he is in the last year of his deal. But they like 1 year deal so Reader seems to be a fit in Dallas. This trade if finalized after June 1 would give Detroit an $11 million CAP save this year. But they don't really need it since they are already $39 million under the CAP.

Reader would be an upgrade for Dallas. The only question is, what would it cost to acquire him?

I am not a fan of paying full value for players with 1 year left on their contracts. Even if he cost Dallas a 5th next year, it still seems like a high price to pay for a guy who will only be hear 1 year. Then again, it would be a big boost for a defense that needs a big boost.
The article seems to suggest they may release him......
 
Ok now THIS is what they need to do….or something similar.

It would make the Pickens rental make a lot more sense to me.

This team would have an actual chance with another real DT. Cannot be counting on seventh rounders to ever develop at all, let alone help immediately.

I mean, if there’s any truth to this, at least they understand that they need help there.
In all fairness, Reader was a 5th rounder. I'm sure Cincy fans and even their coaches/FO didn't know he would turn into a stud 1-tech DT.

He developed and was in the right system for him to excel. I don't have high expectations for Justin Rogers (last year's 7th round DT) or the two drafted this year in the 7th round. However, who knows if they can build a good career.

That being said, I wouldn't be against picking up Reader if he is released or if the trade value is a 6th or 7th rounder.
 
McClay should definitely wear the “L” for advocating for Mazi.

Dude has nearly zero production at Michigan and clearly they didn’t do enough investigating about his football character and passion for the game.

I haven’t given up on him but this is his 3rd year and proverbial “make it or break it” season as far as I’m concerned.
yeah, Im with you. Might end up being a Jag. We did see some splashes last year, so that's a plus.

Lets see what 25' brings.
 
The article seems to suggest they may release him......
I was assuming Dallas would try to get him before other teams can bid on him. If he is released he may want a multiyear deal from his new team. That's where I think Jerry draws the line.
 
In all fairness, Reader was a 5th rounder. I'm sure Cincy fans and even their coaches/FO didn't know he would turn into a stud 1-tech DT.

He developed and was in the right system for him to excel. I don't have high expectations for Justin Rogers (last year's 7th round DT) or the two drafted this year in the 7th round. However, who knows if they can build a good career.

That being said, I wouldn't be against picking up Reader if he is released or if the trade value is a 6th or 7th rounder.
Doesn’t really matter where one was drafted after they prove to be reliable.

Point being they need more proven options there now if the idea is to win now, which the Pickens deal suggests is the plan.

But the Jerry way is expecting Osa to now play like Aaron Donald because he gave him the bag. He thinks paying more means better play just because.

If you had say, Poona Ford, Reader and retained Golston instead of Osa only for roughly the same money, then work in Mazi and your seventh rounders…now you’ve got what looks like maybe a DT room. They’ll regret that Osa deal for that much money, but they put themselves in that spot.
 


https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/st...them&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter
COWBOYS

Lions defender with $67 million in bank projected to be Cowboys target​

The Cowboys continue to look at the markets to find help, and they might be able to snare help in the defensive middle if they're patient.​

Portrait of K.D. DrummondK.D. Drummond
Cowboys Wire

If somehow they end up with him then it would make offseason complete.if he is to be a cap.casualty perhaps a 7th round pick would entice them
 
Lions might have to eat it and release him. They have too many guys they are paying and will need to pay. The math says a couple big names must get traded or released. But don't expect Dallas to make any major moves. I think we are done .
 

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