The recent defensive additions in the New York Giants do not end with Zach Pickens of the Kansas City Chiefs. Their front office have also signed a former Lions’ star for the upcoming season.

As reported by NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Giants have landed a deal with defensive tackle D.J. Reader of the Detroit Lions. The deal is made after Dexter Lawrence's trade to bolster their defensive lineup with the veteran presence.

“The New York Giants have agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million contract to sign veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler stated on Tuesday. “Readers can make up to $15.5 million through incentives," the source told Fowler.

After trading Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Giants have now added D.J. Reader to replace his presence on the defensive line.

GM Joe Schoen does not rest here with the free-agency moves. They have also signed DT Shelby Harris (1-year, $3M) and DT Leki Fotu (1-year, $1.29M), as per Ari Meirov's report.

According to Spotrac, Reader signed a two-year $12.5 million contract with the Giants, with an average salary of $6.25 million. Although the rest of the figures are not announced publicly, he will be in free agency by 2028. 

The Houston Texans had drafted Reader with the 166th pick in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Playing for ten seasons, he had various stints with the Texans, the Bengals, and finally with the Lions in 2024. 

As per Pro Football Focus, he appeared in all 17 games and recorded 18 solo tackles in his last season. He earned a PFF grade of 68.9 in 583 defensive snaps.

However, the former Clemson athlete isn’t the only move shaping this defensive rebuild. The Giants have added multiple players to reinforce the defensive front.

Reader's Addition in the Giants' Revamped Defensive Lineup

The Giants have freed up more than $12.5 million in salary cap space by trading Lawrence to the Bengals. With the freed cap space, they have signed Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu in free agency.

During this year's draft, they drafted cornerback Colton Hood, DT Bobby Jamison Travis, and linebacker Jack Kelly.

Based on last year's league-wide statistics, the Giants defense struggled, allowing 25.8 points (26th) and 359.5 yards per game (28th).They also allowed a league-worst 5.3 yards per carry last season.

DJ Reader led the Lions’ defense with a 71.7% double-team rate last year. He had 28 combined tackles, 20 pressures, and four quarterback hits.

His ability to command double teams and clog running lanes makes him a direct schematic replacement for Lawrence on the interior.

The Giants are banking on that presence to stabilize a run defense that struggled to control the line of scrimmage. With Dexter Lawrence gone to the Bengals, there was a need to fill the void, and Reader should help fill that role.

What do you think about the recent developments in the Giants’ defensive lineup? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Rishab Nandi