Giants signing more defensive line help after Dexter Lawrence trade

TL;DR

The New York Giants are strengthening their defensive line by finalizing a deal with D.J. Reader following the trade of Dexter Lawrence. This marks the third addition to the defensive line since the trade, with previous signings including Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu.

Key points

Giants are finalizing a deal with D.J. Reader
This follows the trade of Dexter Lawrence
Reader previously visited New York before the 2026 NFL Draft
Giants have signed Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu
This is the third addition to the defensive line

New York GiantsDetroit LionsD.J. ReaderDexter Lawrence

The New York Giants are adding more help to their defensive line after the unit was ravaged by the Dexter Lawrence trade last month.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Giants are finalizing a deal with former Detroit Lions defensive lineman D.J. Reader.

The writing was on the wall that the Giants and Reader could eventually unite, as the veteran defensive tackle previously visited New York before the 2026 NFL Draft.

This is the third addition the Giants have made to their defensive line room since the Lawrence trade. Big Blue also signed Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu.

D.J. Reader’s 2025 season

D.J. Reader spent the last two seasons with the Lions, appearing in 32 games in that span.

In 2025, the 31-year-old played in all 17 games, the first time he has done so in his career, and tallied 28 tackles and four QB hits. He did not, however, post a sack.

According to Pro Football Focus, Reader posted a 72.6 pass-rush grade and a 61.7 run defense grade, so he should be a plus in both areas for Big Blue.

While Reader will certainly help a suspect Giants defensive line, he is hardly the elite interior defender he once was and won’t be a one-for-one replacement for Lawrence, who is a superior run defender and pass-rusher.

That said, few players in the NFL can fill Lawrence’s shoes.

Q&A

What prompted the New York Giants to sign D.J. Reader?

The Giants are signing D.J. Reader to bolster their defensive line after the significant loss of Dexter Lawrence in a trade.

Who else has the Giants signed to their defensive line recently?

In addition to D.J. Reader, the Giants have also signed Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu to strengthen their defensive line.

What impact will the Dexter Lawrence trade have on the Giants' defense?

The trade of Dexter Lawrence has necessitated the Giants to seek additional talent for their defensive line, leading to multiple new signings.