A data storage device configured to access a magnetic tape is disclosed, wherein the data storage device comprises at least one head configured to access the magnetic tape, wherein the head comprises a write element, a first read element substantially aligned with the write element, and a second read element laterally offset from the first read element. Data is written to a data track and read-after-write verify is performed using the write element and the first read element. In response to a read command received from a host, the data track is read using the second read element to compensate for a stretching of the magnetic tape.