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New York Giants host potential Dexter Lawrence replacement
TL;DR
The New York Giants are exploring options for a potential replacement for Dexter Lawrence, who recently requested a trade. D.J. Reader has visited the team as they assess their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The NFL offseason continues to build momentum as the league approaches the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams have also begun implementing their offseason workout programs, gaining a clearer sense of where their rosters stand.
The New York Giants have several key areas to address. Their star wide receiver continues to work back from injury, while their star defensive tackle recently requested a trade.
Despite that request, the Giants do not appear motivated to move Dexter Lawrence following contract breakdowns. However, they do seem to be doing their due diligence.
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Reports on Monday indicated that D.J. Reader visited the Giants. Reader previously visited the Baltimore Ravens and has now drawn interest from New York.
At this time, Reader does not appear to have a deal in place with the Giants. Still, the timing of his visit raises some intrigue.
If the Giants intended to pair Reader with Lawrence, logic suggests they would have hosted him sooner. Instead, his visit comes shortly after Lawrence’s trade request.
Reader would not fully replace Lawrence if the Giants traded him, but he would provide a solid, serviceable option.
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Reader has performed at a high level in recent years with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Detroit Lions. The Houston Texans originally selected him in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
However, a neck injury cut Reader’s 2025 season short and may still give teams pause. The Ravens may have also declined to offer him a contract following his physical, as their cautious approach in such situations is well documented.
This situation raises an important question: are the Giants simply doing their due diligence? The 2026 NFL Draft features a limited but high-quality group of defensive tackle prospects.
The Giants may be weighing their options, potentially seeking a proven veteran to complement a rookie addition — if they ultimately decide to trade Lawrence.
Could the Giants’ interest in Reader signal their intentions with Lawrence?
Q&A
Why did Dexter Lawrence request a trade from the New York Giants?
The specific reasons for Dexter Lawrence's trade request have not been disclosed, but it follows contract breakdowns between him and the team.
Who is D.J. Reader and why is he visiting the New York Giants?
D.J. Reader is a defensive tackle who has drawn interest from the Giants as they consider potential replacements for Dexter Lawrence.
What are the New York Giants' key roster concerns heading into the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Giants are focusing on their star wide receiver's recovery from injury and the situation surrounding Dexter Lawrence's trade request.
