The NFL's regular season is over, which for most teams, means it's time to start figuring out plans for the offseason.

NFL free agency is a huge part of the process, and along with the NFL Draft, it has everyone preparing for what should be a very active couple of months.

We've officially come up with our own contract projections for the NFL's top free agents that include context behind each player's 2023 season, the likelihood of a franchise tag, the projection itself, and the first-year cap hit for a team that's “all-in” and is needing to reduce that first-year hit in order to maximize their cap dollars.

So, without further ado, let's check out the projection for Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle D.J. Reader.

D.J. Reader 2024 Contract Projection

Reader has been the anchor of a very good Bengals defense for four years now. He was a part of a stretch run of free agent signings that helped transform the team and usher them into their recent era of success behind quarterback Joe Burrow.

When on the field, Reader is an excellent run defender who opposing offenses have to game plan for. He has recorded more than 20 defensive stops in each of his past three seasons. But while he’s a quality pocket pusher, as a pass rusher, he has never generated high pressure or sack numbers.

At an 8.2 percent pressure rate since 2020 with just three sacks during that time frame, he won’t warrant the first-tier contracts other dominant interior defenders have been receiving of late. And with his most recent season-ending quad injury he has now averaged just 11 games per season over the life of his expiring deal. Those two points will have a downward push on his value when accounting for his next contract.

• Franchise Tag Likelihood: Low
• 3 years, $34.5 million, $11.5 million APY, $22.5 million GTD
• Year One Cap Hit: $6.5 million

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Be sure to check back in and around the site for more projections, as we will add more in the coming days and weeks.