The New York Giants are making a major move to shore up their defensive line, finalizing a deal with former Clemson defensive tackle D.J. Reader. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the veteran is headed to the Big Apple on a two-year, $12.5 million contract, with incentives that could push the total to $15.5 million.
This signing comes after the Giants traded former Clemson star Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, creating an interesting connection between the two programs. While Reader isn't a direct replacement for Lawrence—who has been one of the NFL's premier interior defenders—he brings a different but equally valuable skillset. Reader has built a reputation as one of the league's most reliable run-stuffing tackles, doing the gritty work that often goes unnoticed but is crucial to a defense's success.
Reader's journey to New York has been a steady climb. After being drafted by the Houston Texans in 2016, he spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals before joining the Detroit Lions for the past two seasons. In 2025, he started all 17 games for Detroit, recording 28 tackles. Over his NFL career, Reader has appeared in 138 games, amassing 328 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 36 stuffs, and nine passes defended. That's the kind of consistent production that explains why the Giants are bringing him in.
Make no mistake: Reader isn't a flashy pass-rushing superstar. He's a large, experienced presence in the middle of the defense, exactly what the Giants need after moving on from Lawrence. The New York Post noted he's expected to fill the nose tackle role, providing a sturdy anchor against the run. For Clemson fans, this move adds another chapter to the Tigers' growing NFL legacy, with Reader joining a long line of defensive linemen making an impact at the next level.
Reader's Clemson career has aged well, too. He finished his time with the Tigers with 145 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and five sacks, showing the foundation that has made him a dependable NFL veteran. Now, he'll bring that experience to a Giants team looking to rebuild its defensive identity.