The Baltimore Ravens brought in D.J. Reader for a visit and physical, but he may not sign until after the draft.
The Baltimore Ravens have continued to take looks at potential free agents, including veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader. Reader visited the team last week, but no deal materialized.
Per a new report, the Ravens may not be looking to sign Reader until after the draft, and there are apparently multiple other teams that could be in on the veteran tackle.
The emergence of Reader as a potential addition to the Baltimore team makes sense for a few reasons. First, he could be the veteran presence that is needed should Nnamdi Madubuike not make it back to play in 2026.
Secondly, Reader continues to showcase his ability to stay on the field, as he appeared in and started all 17 games in 2025. Lastly, the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle has a ton of familiarity with one Trey Hendrickson.
While Reader left without a deal, it could be because the Ravens want to see how the draft plays out. NFL insider Aaron Wilson indicated as much, also revealing that multiple other teams are interested in the veteran.
Wilson revealed that the Ravens engaged in a physical with Reader, but no deal came to pass. While everyone may be a bit wary of Baltimore's physical testing following the fallout with Maxx Crosby, the tackle just simply may not be signed until after the draft.
This makes complete sense for most teams, as no one knows how the draft board may all. The Ravens could very well choose to draft a highly-rated defensive tackle in the first or second round and view that player as the piece they need.
That does not mean that Baltimore does not need a veteran, but trades and other movement could lead Reader to also sign with another team before the Ravens can get to doing so.
There are a multitude of variables to consider, which would ultimately lead Reader not to be available. However, he may also be searching to join a contender and wants to hold out for the Ravens.
The 2025 season aside, the Ravens should still be a highly competitive team. Other contenders might also be in on the tackle as well, making the competition more about which team is set to offer more.
The Ravens do not have to make a move just yet, and that goes for any team interested in Reader. Despite that, if general manager Eric DeCosta also wants to ensure the veteran comes into the fold, he may also not want to wait too long either.