New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen continues to pursue veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader despite adding depth to the position earlier this week.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that the Giants remain “very much in the mix” for the 32-year-old free agent, though competition from other clubs is significant.
The Giants agreed to terms with defensive tackles Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu on Wednesday. The moves were intended to help offset the departure of Pro Bowl nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, who was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this spring.
Neither signing is expected to derail the club’s interest in Reader, who visited the Giants’ facility on April 14 and was viewed as a strong fit for their defensive front.
Reader started all 17 games for the Detroit Lions last season, recording 28 tackles and four QB hits. The Giants, who ranked near the bottom of the league in run defense in 2025, hosted Reader before the NFL draft and had been expected to finalize a deal once the compensatory-pick window closed.
Schoen has maintained contact with agents for several veteran defensive tackles as the team seeks additional interior line help heading into the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Report: New York Giants still ‘very much in the mix’ for D.J. Reader
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
