The Denver Broncos — and several other teams — “expressed interest” in Houston Texans pending free agent defensive lineman D.J. Reader at the NFL combine, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.
Klis pointed out that Reader is represented by agent Joby Branion, who also represents superstar outside linebacker Von Miller. Branion “has [a] long relationship with Broncos brass,” according to Klis.
Reader (6-3, 347 pounds) is a 25-year-old nose tackle who entered the league as a fifth-round pick out of Clemson with the Houston Texans in 2016. He emerged as a regular starter in 2017 and has totaled 154 tackles and 6.5 sacks over the last four seasons.
With Derek Wolfe, Shelby Harris and Adam Gotsis all set to become unrestricted free agents on March 18, Denver could certainly use help on the defensive line. Signing a player like Reader would allow the Broncos to target other positions in the early rounds of the NFL draft.
Reader’s market value will be about $12 million per season, according to a projection from Spotrac.com. If Denver parts ways with quarterback Joe Flacco, the team should have about $80 million in salary cap space.
