The Detroit Lions are enjoying an incredible 2024 offseason. They’ve pursued all of the “Plan A” choices in free agency, negotiated numerous team-friendly contracts, and used a lot of imagination to sign players.
The Lions’ biggest (literally) offseason addition was defensive tackle DJ Reader, who inked a two-year contract with Detroit. On Tuesday, Reader spoke with Kay Adams of the Up & Adams streaming show on how the Lions utilised a novel approach to reach an agreement.
“When I went in the building (Lions training facility in Allen Park), everybody seems like they enjoyed working there,” Adams said. “And that’s significant for me; the vibe in that building was incredible. When I talk to Coach (Dan) Campbell, he’s a person that looks you right in the eye and you can see he’s passionate about basketball. AG (Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn) was very enthused about defence. When you first arrived, the environment was enjoyable. I didn’t know much about Detroit, and I’m excited to learn more. When I came in, I had a cool vibe and was greeted warmly.
Reader went on to explain his first meetings with Campbell, including the coach’s firm handshake, referring to him as the roster’s missing piece, and his overall excitement for the defensive tackle to join the squad. Then, in the midst of Reader’s reflection on the meeting, he stated that the Lions had only booked him a one-way travel to Detroit and had left him hanging on the timing of his return flight.
Adams was quick to notice the one-way flight and inquired further about it.
“I looked at the itinerary and was like, ‘alright, there’s gotta be a flight home,'” Reader said. “And they was like, ‘Nah.'”
