The New York Giants have made a significant move to shore up their interior defensive line, signing veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader to a two-year deal worth up to $15.5 million. The move comes after the team traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, creating a major void in the middle of their defense.
Reader, a 10-year NFL veteran, spent the 2025 season with the Detroit Lions, playing all 17 games. Known for his run-stopping ability, he previously played for the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals before his brief stint in Detroit. At 31 years old, Reader is expected to play a rotational role, logging around 15 to 25 snaps per game, according to team sources.
The Giants' interior defensive line has undergone a complete overhaul since trading Lawrence on April 19. In addition to Reader, the team has added defensive tackles Bobby Jamison-Travis (a sixth-round draft pick from Auburn), Shelby Harris (a 34-year-old veteran from the Cleveland Browns), and Leki Fotu (a 27-year-old journeyman). This flurry of activity underscores head coach John Harbaugh's urgency to address a defensive weakness that plagued the team last season.
New York's run defense was the worst in the NFL in 2025, allowing a staggering 5.3 yards per carry. While Reader's Lions ranked just 21st in run defense last season (4.4 yards per carry allowed), his experience and size should provide a boost. Pro Football Focus ranked Reader as the No. 32 defensive tackle among those who played at least 20% of snaps last season, while Harris ranked No. 56 and Fotu ranked No. 128.
The challenge for Harbaugh and the Giants will be whether this patchwork group can effectively replace Lawrence, one of the league's premier interior defenders. While the additions show a clear commitment to improving the run defense, the question remains whether these veteran acquisitions can collectively fill the massive shoes left by No. 97. For a team looking to bounce back in 2026, the success of this rebuilt defensive line will be crucial.