Although the New York Giants finally replaced Dexter Lawrence with the signing of D.J. Reader, they are far from satisfied. Claiming Zacch Pickens, who spent the 2025 NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs, off waivers proves how serious the G-Men are about bolstering their defense for the upcoming campaign.
Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate on X) reported New York claimed Pickens off waivers. The news came shortly after Reader signed a two-year contract with the Giants.
It was never a secret the G-Men needed to improve their defensive line after trading Dexter Lawrence, and they have now acted accordingly during the NFL offseason. The final pieces have been put together on the Giants’ probable starting defense in 2026 with Reader acting as Lawrence’s replacement.
Giants keep adding help on defensive line
Many expected the Giants’ shopping spree to end with the acquisition of Reader. However, senior vice president and general manager Joe Schoen seems determined to max out New York’s credit card and fill the shopping cart to the very top. Plus, it’s not his fault he keeps coming across unsurpassable offers in free agency.
Zacch Pickens practicing with the Bears
Moreover, considering Lawrence was set to make over $20 million in the 2026 NFL season, the Giants will save a lot of money in the four additions of Shelby Harris (one-year, $3 million contract), D.J. Reader (two-year, $12.5 million deal), Leki Fotu (one-year, $1.3 million), and Pickens.
Every defensive lineman on the roster
As it stands, the Giants have a surplus of talents who can play on the trenches and disrupt opponent’s drives. According to Ourlads.com, New York currently employs 12 defensive linemen: D.J. Reader, Shelby Harris, Leki Fotu, Bobby Jamison-Travis, Roy Robertson-Harris, Elijah Reader, Sam Roberts, Darius Alexander, Marlon Tuipolotu, Zacch Pickens, Anquin Barnes Jr., and Ben Barten.
Obviously, cuts will be made, and the 53-man roster will look quite different. Regardless, having enough options is never a bad thing, especially for Harbaugh, who is entering his first year in East Rutherford.
Key info about Pickens
Coming out of South Carolina, Pickens was selected with a third-round pick (No. 64 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. So far in his career, Pickens has recorded 44 total tackles (20 solo and 24 assisted), 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and a pass deflection.
Needless to say, Pickens’ numbers suggest he’s up for a steep climb to make the final cut in New York. Either way, the Giants will give the 6-foot-4 defensive tackle a chance.
After making 26 appearances for Chicago, Pickens was waived by the Bears prior to the 2025 campaign, and the Chiefs claimed him off waivers. Pickens played three games in Kansas City in he 2025 NFL season. A year later, Pickens went through the same process, only this time he’s landed in Big Blue.
