Giants Find Veteran Answer to Dexter Lawrence Void in Former Bengal
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 13: Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader 98 before the snap in the fourth quarter of an NFL, American Football Herren, USA matchup between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs on October 13, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL: OCT 13 Texans at Chiefs PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon191013885
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 13: Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader 98 before the snap in the fourth quarter of an NFL, American Football Herren, USA matchup between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs on October 13, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL: OCT 13 Texans at Chiefs PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon191013885
The New York Giants' defensive identity underwent a seismic shift this offseason after trading away Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, the franchise has quickly reinforced its defensive front with two veteran players.
The New York Giants have agreed to terms with veteran D.J. Reader, who happens to be a former Bengals player himself. Former Cleveland Browns player Shelby Harris also joins him in New York.
The moves have been made to help anchor their defensive line in the 2026 season, also ensuring that the unit remains stout against the run as they transition through a roster overhaul, according to reports from NorthJersey.com.
Reader, at the age of 31, brings extensive NFL experience, previously playing for the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals. Reader spent the last two seasons with the Detroit Lions, combining 51 tackles and three sacks.
Reader's agreement with New York is a two-year deal worth up to $12.5 million, including $5.25 million guaranteed in 2026.
This helps the franchise maintain cap flexibility while securing a high-floor starter who brings 137 games of NFL experience to the defensive room.
D.J. Reader Signing a Part of Defensive Overhaul
While the Giants used their draft capital to add young talent during the 2026 NFL Draft, the franchise also moved in free agency to add more players to the defensive line with veteran experience.
With their two top-10 picks, the Giants selected Arvell Reese from the Ohio State Buckeyes football and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa out of the Miami Hurricanes football in the 2026 NFL draft. They then turned their attention towards rebuilding the interior defense.
The Giants first added veteran defensive lineman Shelby Harris on a one-year deal worth up to about $3 million.
Harris enters the 2026 season with 146 career NFL appearances, along with 28.5 sacks and 58 tackles for losses across his time with the Cleveland Browns and other teams.
They had later signed veteran defensive tackle Leki Fotu, who previously played for the Arizona Cardinals. Fotu has appeared in 66 NFL games since entering the league in 2026, amassing 4.5 sacks.
One of the biggest moves certainly has been the addition of D.J. Reader. The former Detroit Lions player has now joined a defensive front featuring Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter heading into 2026.
Read more at the Cincinnati Bengals Community!
Written by
Debanjali Rakshit
Edited by
Aadesh Dhote