The New York Giants are making a major statement in their defensive line rebuild, reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $12.5 million deal with veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. This signing marks the fourth defensive tackle the Giants have brought in this offseason, following the blockbuster trade of star Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Reader, 31, brings a wealth of experience to a Giants defense in transition. A fifth-round pick by the Houston Texans in the 2016 NFL Draft, he spent four seasons there before signing with the Bengals in 2020. After another four-year stint in Cincinnati, he played the last two seasons with the Detroit Lions. Last year, Reader suited up for all 17 games, recording 28 combined tackles—though it was just the third time in his career he failed to register a sack.

The Giants' decision to trade Lawrence, who sought a new contract, sent shockwaves through the league. New York dealt him to the Bengals for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a one-for-one swap that allowed them to select Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. They also used their own fifth overall pick on Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese, signaling a youth movement on both sides of the ball.

To fill the void left by Lawrence, the Giants have assembled a veteran-heavy tackle rotation. Alongside Reader, they've added Sam Roberts, Leki Fotu, and Shelby Harris—a mix of proven run-stoppers and rotational depth. Over his 138-game career, Reader has amassed 328 tackles and 12.5 sacks, making him a reliable anchor as New York looks to rebuild its defensive identity.

For Giants fans, this signing represents a calculated bet on experience over star power. Whether Reader can recapture his disruptive form will be key to a defensive line that's been completely reshaped this offseason.