This former Clemson standout defensive lineman became a free agent this offseason, and he’s still on the open market.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) named the “ideal” landing spots for the top 10 remaining NFL free agents, including former Tiger and 10-year veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader.

So, where might Reader find his new NFL home?

PFF says Reader’s ideal landing spot is in Las Vegas with the Raiders:

Despite suggestions that the Raiders would capitalize on a Day 2 rich with defensive tackle talent, the team instead opted to grab Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes. In turn, that leaves Las Vegas in major need of an interior defender.

Reader hasn’t matched his string of incredible production from 2021-23, but he’s still a quality option on the inside. Last year, he recorded a 72.6 PFF pass-rush grade and a 10.5% pass-rush win rate, the latter of which slotted 27th among qualified players at the position.

The 31-year-old Reader might prefer to sign with a team that’s closer to contention. Nevertheless, he would continue to build next to Maxx Crosby on the team’s new-look defense.

Reader is ranked by Pro Football Focus as the best remaining free agent, regardless of position.

Reader has spent the last two seasons with the Detroit Lions after signing a two-year deal with the team in March 2024.

After being drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round (166th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, Reader spent the first four seasons of his NFL career (2016-19) in Houston before playing four years with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2020-23 and then the past two with the Lions.

During his first year in Detroit in 2024, Reader started all 15 games he played in, tallying 23 total tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, eight quarterback hits and one pass defended. In 2025, the 6-foot-3, 330-pounder started all 17 games for the Lions, recording 28 total tackles and four quarterback hits.

Over his 10-year NFL career, Reader has posted 328 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks to go with 56 quarterback hits, nine passes defended, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble across 137 games (128 starts).

Reader played four seasons at Clemson (2012-15), where he recorded 145 tackles, nine tackles for loss and five sacks. The former two-sport athlete became the second Tiger to letter on top-25 football and baseball teams in one academic year (2012-13).