The New York Giants are making moves to shore up their defensive line, and their latest addition could be a steal. After agreeing to bring in veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader earlier this week, the Giants have now claimed Zacch Pickens off waivers, according to the NFL's daily transaction wire.
Pickens, 26, is a former third-round pick of the Chicago Bears in the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent his first two seasons in the Windy City, appearing in 26 games and racking up 44 total tackles, two tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks. Last season, he suited up for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he appeared in three games and recorded five tackles.
This pickup adds some intriguing depth to the Giants' interior defensive line. Pickens has shown flashes of potential, especially as a run-stopper, and he's still young enough to develop into a reliable rotational piece. Pairing him with a proven veteran like Reader could help him unlock that next level of performance.
For Giants fans, this is a low-risk, high-upside move that could pay dividends as the team looks to bolster its defensive front. Keep an eye on Pickens as he settles into New York's scheme—he might just be the kind of under-the-radar addition that makes a difference in the trenches this season.
