New York Giants bolster defensive line with D.J. Reader signing after Dexter Lawrence departure

The New York Giants have made a significant move to strengthen their defensive line, signing veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader to a two-year contract worth up to $15.5 million. The signing comes after the Giants lost defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in a pre-draft trade.

Giants acquire Reader to fill Lawrence’s void

The Giants’ acquisition of Reader addresses a critical need along the interior of their defensive line following Lawrence’s departure. The team had previously secured two top-10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft as part of the trade with Cincinnati, using them to select Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa.

Recent defensive line additions

New York has been proactive in shoring up its defensive front since the 2026 NFL Draft. On April 30, 2026, the Giants made two key additions:

• Shelby Harris: Signed to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million, Harris brings extensive experience with 146 career NFL games, 89 starts, 358 tackles, 58 tackles for loss, and 28.5 sacks. He previously played for the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders.
• Leki Fotu: A fourth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2020 NFL Draft, Fotu has played in 66 NFL games with 26 starts, recording 103 tackles (46 solo), 15 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

Reader’s impact and background

Reader, who visited the Giants during NFL free agency, brings a proven track record to the defensive line. Last season with the Detroit Lions, he started all 17 games, played 583 defensive snaps, and recorded 28 total tackles. His addition complements the Giants’ existing defensive talent, including edge rushers Abdul Carter (2025 first-round pick), Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, as well as Reese.

"While New York could not find one player to replace Lawrence on the inside, perhaps these three will."

The Giants’ front office has prioritized strengthening the defensive line, and Reader’s signing marks a key step in that effort. With Lawrence now in Cincinnati, the trio of Harris, Fotu, and Reader aims to fill the void and bolster the team’s pass rush.