The New York Giants are making a major move to shore up their defensive line, agreeing to a two-year deal with veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader. According to ESPN's Jordan Schultz, the contract is worth $12.5 million with potential incentives that could boost the total value even higher.
Reader, a 6-foot-3, 330-pound powerhouse, brings a decade of NFL experience to the Giants' front line. After spending the last two seasons with the Detroit Lions, where he recorded 28 total tackles and four quarterback hits in 17 games last year, the 31-year-old has shown he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. This signing comes at a critical time for New York, just three weeks after the team traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, leaving a gaping hole in the middle of their defense.
Reader's arrival is part of a broader defensive overhaul for the Giants. Over the past few weeks, the team has added four defensive tackles to the roster. Alongside Reader, New York drafted Auburn's Bobby Jamison-Travis in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft and signed veterans Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu just days ago. These moves signal a clear commitment to rebuilding the defensive line into a formidable unit.
Reader has been on the Giants' radar for some time, and his signing marks a smart, low-risk investment. Known for his ability to clog running lanes and pressure quarterbacks, Reader will be a key piece in the team's defensive scheme. For Giants fans, this is a welcome addition that should provide immediate stability and veteran leadership. Whether you're gearing up for game day or just love the team's grit, Reader's arrival is a reminder that the Giants are reloading—and they mean business.
