Giants facing stiff competition for $2 million ex-Texans starter, Dexter Lawrence replacement

The New York Giants decision to send Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals before the NFL Draft made one thing clear: the franchise had to improve its defensive tackle depth before the start of the new season. 

To the Giants’ credit, they have done so thus far, signing Shleby Harris and Leki Fotu to their roster on Wednesday. New York has also been rumored to bring an ex-Houston, Texas, starter on board who could also serve as a replacement for Lawrence, but a deal has yet to come to fruition. 

On Thursday, NFL insider Jordan Shultz revealed that the Giants are now facing stiff competition for the 31-year-old 10-year veteran. 

“My understanding is the #Giants are still very much in the mix for DT DJ Reader,” Shultz reported on X/Twitter Thursday. “But, they have real competition for him. 

“The signings of Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu today won’t have an impact on the Giants’ pursuit of Reader.”

Essentially, while the Giants are in far better shape at DT after their recent signings, they appear committed to further bolstering their depth. 

Reader, who’s a free agent following four seasons with the Bengals and two seasons with the Detroit Lions, recorded 28 total tackles with the Lions last year. Reader started his career with the Texans in 2016 and logged 154 tackles and 6.5 sacks during his four-year stint with the AFC South franchise. 

The Clemson product appears to be a hot commodity on the free agent market, forcing the Giants to present him with the best offer possible to avoid a devastating letdown.

More NFL: 

• Giants closing in on ex-Texans $2 million starter, Dexter Lawrence replacement
• Cowboys predicted to cut ties with George Pickens in favor of declining $10 million Bills WR
• Eagles named top landing spot for former Cowboys $21 million starter