Cowboys Trade for Mazi Replacement Rumor Floated

The Dallas Cowboys were one of the NFL's worst run defenses during their disappointing 7-10 season in 2024.

This problem is no secret. That is why, among much more activity than last offseason, Dallas has addressed the concern by promptly re-signing Osa Odighizuwa, acquiring multiple free agents on the defensive line, and picking two defensive tackles in the NFL Draft.

Plus, if this week has told us anything in the George Pickens trade, it is that Jerry Jones' Cowboys have shown they are not afraid to talk around. Dallas has executed four trades this offseason ... so far.

Pro Football Focus' Mason Cameron expects that trend of attacking run defense to continue on the trade market.

One hypothetic he wrote is Dallas pursuing D.J. Reader, a defensive tackle on the Detroit Lions.

"Dallas hasn’t been afraid to leverage future draft capital this offseason and should consider monitoring another opportunity," Cameron wrote. "The Lions’ D.J. Reader has been considered a cut candidate and could fit in nicely with the Cowboys, whether through a trade or a post-release signing. Reader boasts a 91st-percentile PFF run-defense grade over the past three seasons."

The Cowboys are expected to roll out former first-round pick Mazi Smith next to Odighizuwa on the inside of the line, with 340-pound rookie Jay Toia fighting for reps.

Although Smith has been a letdown in his first two seasons, we don't imagine Reader would be much of an improvement.

Reader has seen a major decline in production since suffering knee and quad injuries over the last few years. Now entering his 10th NFL season at the age of 30, it's hard to be confident in his health ... especially at defensive tackle where teams' success hinges on depth and availability at that spot.

The Cowboys will already be relying on Osa becoming a star, Mazi turning things around, Toia becoming a reliable option, and free agent signing Solomon Thomas showing flashes of youth ... adding another major question mark to this unit is unnecessary ... especially if the Lions are wanting draft picks in a trade.

If he is released? That becomes a more believable option if Dallas can use some of their $30 million of cap space to get him at a veteran minimum.

Reader, however, is coming off a career year and is giving the Lions a tough decision to make on whether they trade, cut or keep him.

Last season he got a career high three sacks to go with 23 total tackles and 4 tackles for loss.

With Detroit's Alim McNeill still recovering from injury, it's unlikely the Lions will move Reader in the first place.