Giants to sign veteran DT Shelby Harris to one-year deal after trading Dexter Lawrence II

Giants to sign veteran DT Shelby Harris to one-year deal after trading Dexter Lawrence II originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Giants are expected to strengthen their defensive front by signing veteran defensive tackle Shelby Harris, according to a source who spoke with ESPN. Harris is set to sign a one-year deal, adding experience and production to a unit in transition under head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.

The move comes shortly after the Giants traded standout defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in the draft. While the trade positions the franchise well for the future, it left a major gap on the defensive line that the coaching staff—led by defensive coordinator Wink Martindale—has been eager to address.

Harris arrives with a proven track record of production. Over his NFL career, he has totaled more than 300 tackles, along with over 25 sacks and dozens of quarterback hits, demonstrating his ability to impact both the run and passing game. In recent seasons, he has remained a consistent contributor, often logging multiple sacks per year while serving as a dependable presence in the trenches. His durability and versatility make him a strong fit for a defense that values flexibility along the line.

Giants lean on Shelby Harris signing after thin D-line draft, prioritize veteran stability and flexibility

The Giants, meanwhile, did not invest heavily in the defensive line during the draft. Their lone addition came in the sixth round with Bobby Jamison-Travis, a developmental prospect who may take time to adjust to the NFL. That made adding a veteran like Harris even more important for maintaining stability and competitiveness in the short term.