As the initial wave of free agent signings subsided, word spread that the Detroit Lions would be hosting defensive tackle DJ Reader for an old-school visit. That same day, Reader reached an agreement on a two-year, $22 million contract.
It was evident that the team did not want him to go without an agreement in place. That is not uncommon in free agency following a visit, but the situation between Reader and the Lions was unusual.
Reader appeared on Tuesday’s “Up and Adams Show” with Kay Adams. He of course discussed signing with the Lions, specifically his visit.
Reader talked about the good vibe he instantly got, including Dan Campbell’s handshake (“super-strong grip”). Reader also said Campbell told him he’s a “missing piece” for the Lions.
Lions literally were not going to let DJ Reader leave without signing him
Reader revealed just how committed the Lions were to signing him.
“I wasn’t there yet. They only booked a one-way flight on my visit, so they was really trying to get this done,” Reader said. “I kept asking my agent, ‘When am I gonna get a flight home?’ I look at the itinerary, I’m like, ‘There’s got to be a flight home.’ And then I kept asking my agent, ‘When are they gonna book the flight home.’ He said they said they’re gonna book it.”
“It’s like five in the afternoon and I ain’t go no flight back to the crib. I’ve been up here since eight and I ain’t got no flight back, they’re really trying to get this done,” Reader continued. “He’s like, ‘It don’t seem like they’re trying to let you out this building.’ I was walking by one door and some dude shouted out, ‘We ain’t letting you out this building until we get this deal done.’”
“I don’t know who it was, I didn’t even look in the door when he said it, but all I can remember is those words being said as I walked by. It was cool, though,” Reader said. “It feels amazing to be wanted, man, that’s the biggest thing. That’s all somebody wants.”
The Lions’ decision to just book him a one-way airfare made Reader uneasy both before and during his visit to Allen Park. But he eventually felt right at home with the team that really wanted to be his new team, and it worked out beautifully for both parties.
