According to reports, the New York Giants agreed to terms with veteran defensive lineman DJ Reader, pending a physical.
The 6-foot-3, 330-pounder has started 128 of 137 regular-season games in his career for the Texans (2016-19), Bengals (2020-23), and Lions (2024-25). His career numbers include 328 total tackles, 56 quarterback hits, 27 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, nine passes defensed, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.
He has started an additional 13 games in the postseason for three teams, recording 37 tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for loss.
Reader started a career-high 17 games for the Lions last season, his 10th in the NFL. He was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by Houston.
Reader is a two-time club winner for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, first representing the Texans in 2019 and then again last season with the Lions.
Reader's efforts span a wide variety of causes from health care, youth empowerment and education, and food access. He was also a recipient of the President's Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Service Award in 2022.
Prior to the NFL, Reader was a two-sport athlete at Clemson. As a defensive tackle and first baseman, he became the eighth Tiger in history to play on a top-25 football team and top-25 baseball team in the same academic year.
View photos from the career of defensive lineman DJ Reader.
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98) celebrates on the field during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Indianapolis. The Lions defeated the Colts 24-6. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader celebrates after a tackle during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. The Lions won 23-20. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) runs during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Detroit Lions' DJ Reader runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) celebrates after making a defensive stop during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) looks on from the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98) points to the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Indianapolis. The Lions defeated the Colts 24-6. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Detroit Lions Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee defensive tackle DJ Reader wears a sticker on his helmet during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) runs during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) looks on from the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader celebrates after a tackle during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. The Lions won 23-20. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) is tackled by Detroit Lions defensive end DJ Reader (98) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann),
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) gets set on defense against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) on the sideline against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98) stands for the national anthem before playing against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) stands for the National Anthem before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle D.J. Reader stands on the field in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Cleveland. The Browns won 35-30. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) against Jacksonville Jaguars offensive guard A.J. Cann (60) during an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. Cincinnati won 33-25. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle D.J. Reader (98) reacts during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle D.J. Reader (98) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Justin Berl)
Cincinnati Bengals' D.J. Reader (98) celebrates a sack of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) celebrates a sack during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) lines up for the play during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) celebrates a sack on Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) in action in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022 in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) reacts after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle D.J. Reader sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end D.J. Reader (98) warms up before the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. The Los Angeles Rams won 23-20. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is defended by Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) during the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022 in Inglewood, CA. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) plays during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) celebrates a fumble recovery among with teammate defensive end Cam Sample (96) during the second half of an NFL football game against theDallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Arlington, Tx. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) protects the ball after a fumble recovery as Dallas Cowboys guard Matt Farniok (68) makes the stop during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Arlington, Tx. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) plays during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals' DJ Reader reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals' DJ Reader reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98)stands in the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) warms up before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) recovers a fumble against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) takes position at the line of scrimmage before a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader, left, plays during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) celebrates after recovering a fumble by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) smiles before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) plays during a wild-card playoff NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) runs onto the field before an NFL divisional round playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, in Orchard Park, NY. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) warms up before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) plays during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) walks off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) plays during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) gestures during a NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) pressures Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) reacts after a missed field goal attempt by Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Brandon McManus during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) looks on during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) runs off the field at halftime of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) leaves the field at halftime of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) reacts after a missed field goal attempt by Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Brandon McManus during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) looks on during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) warms up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle D.J. Reader (98) celebrates a stop during the team's NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Nov. 5, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) celebrates after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016. The Texans won 24-21. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Houston Texans defensive tackle D.J. Reader (98) is introduced prior to an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) during the first half of an AFC Wild Card NFL game Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) celebrates after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016. The Texans won 24-21. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) celebrates after Whitney Mercilus sacked Cincinnati Bengals' Andy Dalton during the second half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Houston Texans defensive tackle D.J. Reader (98) is introduced prior to an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) during the first half of an AFC Wild Card NFL game Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans nose tackle D.J Reader (98) during the teams NFL football training camp in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., Saturday, July 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Tilley)
Houston Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Williams (33) is hit by Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader celebrates his sack in an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sep. 22, 2019 in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) reacts after making a tackle against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
