CINCINNATI — Former Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader signed a two-year deal with the Lions in free agency.

The Bengals lost a huge part of their defense in Reader. They did sign defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, who projects to start alongside BJ Hill this season.

Reader was asked about contract talks with the Bengals during his appearance on the Up And Adams Show With Kay Adams.

“I felt like I was there during rehab doing my thing and the talks just never happened,” Reader said. “They didn’t happen until free agency happened and by that time I’m like ‘I should probably go see what else there is to offer since it didn’t seem like during that time that it was a focus of me being there.’ But that might not have been the case, might have had some other things to figure out, but that’s just how I felt, so just kinda how I took it. So I just really wanted to make sure I weighed all my options at that time.”

Reader ultimately signed a two-year, $27.25 million contract with the Lions that included $9 million guaranteed.

The Bengals could’ve signed Reader to that contract, but the $9 million in guaranteed money is an indicator that the Lions had concerns with his health. Reader suffered a torn quad tendon in December. There’s optimism that he could be ready for the start of the season, but clearly the Bengals were comfortable with letting him leave in free agency.