The New York Giants have moved quickly to fill a critical gap on their defensive line, agreeing to terms with veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader on a two-year deal. The move comes shortly after the team traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, signaling a strategic shift in their defensive approach.

According to multiple reports, including NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the contract is worth $12.5 million in base salary and can reach $15.5 million with incentives. For a player of Reader's caliber and experience, this represents a solid value for a team looking to maintain defensive stability.

Reader, who will turn 32 in July, brings a wealth of experience to the Giants' defensive front. He spent the last two seasons with the Detroit Lions, where he was a durable and reliable presence. In 2025, he started all 17 games and played 53 percent of Detroit's defensive snaps, finishing with 28 total tackles and four quarterback hits.

Over his 10-year NFL career, Reader has built a reputation as a consistent interior disruptor. He has recorded 12.5 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and 56 quarterback hits across 137 games (128 starts) with the Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, and Detroit Lions. His ability to command double teams and clog running lanes will be invaluable for a Giants defense looking to reload.

For fans and fantasy players alike, Reader's arrival adds a seasoned anchor to the defensive line—someone who can eat up blockers and free up linebackers to make plays. While he may not put up flashy sack numbers, his impact is often felt in the trenches, where games are won and lost.