The New York Giants have made a significant move to shore up their defensive line, agreeing to a two-year contract with veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader. The 31-year-old confirmed the deal on social media Tuesday, with the pact reportedly worth up to $15.5 million.
Reader joins a revamped Giants defensive tackle group that includes Shelby Harris, Leki Fotu, and rookie Darius Alexander. This addition comes after the Giants traded Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this offseason, leaving a noticeable gap in the middle of their defense.
Over the last two seasons with the Detroit Lions, Reader proved his durability and effectiveness, starting 17 games in 2024 and recording 28 combined tackles along with four quarterback hits. His career numbers are even more impressive: over 10 seasons with the Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, and Lions, the 6-foot-3, 330-pound lineman has amassed 328 combined tackles, 56 quarterback hits, and 27 tackles for loss.
Analytics site Pro Football Focus ranked Reader as the 26th-best defensive lineman among those who played at least 50% of snaps last season. He earned particularly strong marks in pass rush (16th) and tackling (20th), while ranking 32nd against the run. His best season came in 2023 with the Bengals, where he was the sixth-best run defender in the league, and in 2021 he was PFF's sixth-best defensive lineman overall.
The Giants are clearly prioritizing defense after a tough 2024 season in which they allowed the fifth-most total yards in the NFL and the second-most rushing yards. Adding a proven run-stuffer like Reader could be a game-changer for a unit that struggled to contain opposing ground games.
Reader will have plenty of time to integrate into the system before the season kicks off. The Giants hold rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday, followed by the first segment of organized team activities on May 19. Mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 8-10.
For Giants fans, this signing signals a commitment to building a physical, disciplined defense—one that could help the team bounce back in a competitive NFC East.