Bengals DC Lou Anarumo makes his voice heard on impending free agent DJ Reader
Out of all the upcoming free agents the Cincinnati Bengals will have to decide on this offseason, nose tackle DJ Reader might be the most valuable. Reader's impact in Cincinnati's defense has gone beyond what many thought an interior defensive lineman could possibly provide. Look no further than how the Bengals' defense has looked when […]
Out of all the upcoming free agents the Cincinnati Bengals will have to decide on this offseason, nose tackle DJ Reader might be the most valuable.
Reader's impact in Cincinnati's defense has gone beyond what many thought an interior defensive lineman could possibly provide. Look no further than how the Bengals' defense has looked when he's not been on the field due to a season-ending quad injury.
The idea of Reader leaving for another team this offseason is not what defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo wants to think about.
Lou Anarumo wants DJ Reader back in stripes
Anarumo's rise to prominence as one of the league's best defensive coordinators started when Reader settled in as the center of Anarumo's defensive front. It's no surprise to learn where Cincinnati's defensive play-caller stands on Reader's future.
"I'd love to have DJ back. Love everything about him," Anarumo told reporters on Wednesday. "We'd really like to get him back if we can."
For as clear as that answer is, the questions surrounding the decision are muddied with variables. Reader isn't the ascending 25-year old player he was when he signed with the Bengals in 2020. His development into becoming a top-tier player at his position has also come with two very similar and significant injuries.
Cincinnati also has a clear hesitance towards paying market value for third contracts and players approaching the age of 30. Reader is only 29 until the beginning of July.
Anarumo made headlines last year when asked about safeties Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell departing, calling it a "dark day" he'd rather not think about. That day eventually came when both veterans left for deals the Bengals wouldn't match.
What's going to happen if Reader is next to go against Anarumo's wishes? The Bengals' front office better be prepared for contingencies.