As reported by Dan Duggan of The Athletic, neither D.J. Reader, Shelby Harris, nor Sam Roberts was spotted on the practice field for the Giants. All three defensive linemen were signed during the offseason ahead of the 2026 NFL campaign.

While Roberts was signed in March, both Harris and Reader were brought into East Rutherford after New York traded Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals. Still, neither was in action on Thursday, meaning John Harbaugh and the rest of his staff are still somewhat in the dark about them. In addition to these absentees, the fact that the Giants are facing early injury concerns in the DL room is far from encouraging.

Why were they absent?

Roberts is still recovering from offseason surgery and has yet to be cleared to return to the practice field. Needless to say, the Giants will not rush him back and are taking every precaution.

As for Reader and Harris, neither is listed with an injury, and their absence from OTAs is seemingly a decision between them and the coaches. It is not rare—in fact, it is quite common—for veterans to opt out of voluntary workouts.

Considering both Harris and Reader are new players joining the club, some may argue they are better off practicing with the team and getting early reps with the new coaching staff and teammates. However, it is a very long year, and veterans like them may have more to lose than to gain by stepping into the trenches in May.

Giants stay patient

The Giants should know better than to start second-guessing Harbaugh’s decisions right from the get-go, especially during OTAs. Right now, these practices are all fans and media have, but they will become a distant, irrelevant memory once the actual NFL season rolls around.

Still, those who wanted an early peek at the revamped defensive line without Lawrence—and with his replacements—instead got to see a unit that looked quite similar to its 2025 version, aside from a fair share of rookies and free-agency additions here and there.

“[Lawrence] is not here, that’s OK. He’s got a life to live. We brought in guys who wanted to be here,” Harbaugh stated, via Ryan Dunleavy and Art Stapleton. “We are on these green-grass fields playing football! Where else would you rather be than here right now?”

Harbaugh’s message may have provided the perfect combination for Giants fans. Most remain upset about Lawrence’s exit, feeling somewhat betrayed by the nose tackle. However, they have bigger fish to fry in the 2026 NFL season than to remain resentful toward a former player who helped the team so much in the past. It’s all about moving on.

The new head coach’s statement may have captured that mix of letting go and a bit of pettiness perfectly. Just because the Giants are off to new challenges doesn’t mean they will let others off the hook that easily.

Giants replaced Lawrence

Although there may be no NFL player as skilled at the nose tackle position as Lawrence, New York left no stone unturned in their quest to fill the void left by the veteran’s departure. As a result, Harbaugh and company brought in several defensive tackles capable of handling different roles depending on what the coaching staff needs.

The Giants signed veteran presences in D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris, while also acquiring defensive linemen with a chip on their shoulder like Zacch Pickens and Leki Fotu. Moreover, the Big Blue drafted Bobby Jamison-Travis and signed UDFAs Ben Barten and Anquin Barnes.

All in all, the youth and veterans combination could be one that pays dividends for the G-Men. Moving on from Lawrence was never going to be easy, but they had little choice. Trading him for the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft—which turned into Francis Mauigoa—certainly makes the decision easier to live with.

“That’s how I’m kinda looking at it,’’ Burns said Tuesday night via the New York Post. “It’s kind of a nod to what I’ve done and the success that I’ve had, but I don’t take that lightly at all, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.’’

Although Burns knows he will have a more prominent leadership role in the Giants’ locker room, he is also aware that it will not be just another season without Lawrence on the roster.

“Man, I’ve been in this league long enough to understand ‘next man up’ whenever somebody leaves,’’ he said. “I was just really going to bat for my teammate. He made a decision. It already happened. We kinda got to live with it. Of course I don’t want to play without him because that’s my friend, along with he’s a great player, but we got some things out of it, and we just got to move on.’’

Burns takes the torch from Lawrence

Since arriving at East Rutherford from the Panthers in 2024, Brian Burns has rapidly evolved into the emotional and physical heartbeat of the Giants’ defense. Now serving as a team captain, Burns has set the standard for the Harbaugh-era grit by leading through high-motor effort—highlighted by a famous training camp pursuit that solidified his status as the unit’s vocal leader.

His 2025 campaign was nothing short of historic, as he earned Second-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod after racking up a career-high 16.5 sacks, which tied for the fourth-most in a single season in franchise history. Beyond just rushing the passer, Burns dominated the stat sheet with 67 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 31 quarterback hits, proving to be a relentless force that stabilizes the edge while mentoring the younger core of the rebuilding roster.

The ideal replacement for Lawrence

After requesting a trade from the franchise, the G-Men finally reached an agreement with the Cincinnati Bengals to send Dexter Lawrence to the AFC North. The dilemma from that point on would be how to replace one of the best nose tackles in the league.

Far from dwelling on the loss of one of their historic players, the Giants agreed to bring in D.J. Reader to fill that position. Why was this move important? John Harbaugh’s core principle is that his teams be as physical as possible.

Meanwhile, as the first moves from each team begin to take shape, there is excitement in New York about what is coming. New acquisitions such as the aforementioned Reader and Tremaine Edmunds, as well as the selection of young talent like Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa, point to an elite defense that aims to make a statement in the NFC East.

Following Lawrence’s departure, many around the league questioned whether the Giants had weakened one of the most important areas of the roster. Instead of making one massive replacement move, New York responded by aggressively rebuilding the room with multiple veterans and young pieces.

Now, after the arrivals of DJ Reader, Shelby Harris and Zacch Pickens, Harbaugh believes the Giants may finally have the defensive front they were searching for. “I’m very happy about it. I felt like it was part of our process. It’s not that we wouldn’t have drafted a defensive tackle or signed one sooner if they’d become available or keep Dexter if that was something we could do. Those were all things that were on the table. But as it went, I thought we did a good job of responding to the situation as it unfolded.”

Giants believe defensive line rebuild is finally complete

John Harbaugh’s comments reveal just how much thought went into reshaping the defensive front after losing one of the franchise’s biggest stars. “Now we feel really good about our group in there. Our room looks good to me. I’m excited about it. I think we’ve got the guys we need.”

Rather than panicking after the Lawrence trade, the Giants appeared determined to build a deeper and more balanced defensive line rotation capable of sustaining physicality throughout the season.

DJ Reader quickly became the centerpiece of that strategy. The veteran defensive tackle arrives with years of experience and is expected to become one of the leaders of the unit immediately.

Meanwhile, Shelby Harris adds another proven veteran presence, while Zacch Pickens gives the team developmental upside and rotational depth moving forward.

Giants continue building defense around physical identity

The defensive overhaul also reflects the broader identity Harbaugh appears to be building in New York. Although much of the attention remains focused on young offensive stars like Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers, the Giants have quietly invested enormous resources into strengthening the defense throughout the offseason.

That includes reinforcing the defensive line, upgrading the secondary and adding more pass-rush depth through players like rookie Arvell Reese. For Harbaugh, the formula appears clear: if the Giants are going to become legitimate Super Bowl contenders again, the defense must return to being one of the toughest and most physical units in the NFC.

The Giants announced that defensive linemen Elijah Chatman and Marlon Tuipulotu have been released. The move made sense, as New York currently employs a surplus of defensive ends and tackles. Since moving on from Lawrence, the G-Men have gone on a shopping spree in an effort to make up for the loss of their star defender.

Now, the Giants were left with little choice but to trim some of that depth. As a result, Chatman and Tuipulotu are now free agents. The former’s release had been reported and was somewhat expected, while the latter had signed a reserve/future contract with New York back in January.

NY Giants’ depth on defensive line

As it stands, the Giants have 10 defensive linemen under contract. Since Harbaugh tends to favor a 3-4 scheme, that means New York could put together 120 different combinations along the defensive line. Talk about keeping opponents on their toes. However, Big Blue won’t carry this current group into the campaign—more moves are expected before the 2026 NFL season.

For the time being, though, the G-Men boast the following options: D.J. Reader, Shelby Harris, and Leki Fotu, all of whom were signed shortly after New York traded Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals. The defensive line room is rounded out by Roy Robertson-Harris, Darius Alexander, Bobby Jamison-Travis, Sam Roberts, Zacch Pickens, Anquin Barnes Jr., and Ben Barten.

Giants’ offseason keeps up the pace

What starts hectic often ends the same way. The Giants’ preparation for the 2026 NFL season probably won’t be an exception. More likely than not, the releases of Chatman and Tuipulotu won’t be the final moves of a busy offseason in East Rutherford.

The move represents one of the Giants’ clearest responses following the blockbuster decision to trade Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals. Replacing a player of Lawrence’s caliber was never going to come down to a single addition, but Reader immediately becomes the centerpiece of New York’s effort to stabilize the middle of the defensive line.

Reader also headlines a broader wave of veteran reinforcements added by the Giants this offseason. Alongside names like Shelby Harris and Zacch Pickens, they have focused heavily on rebuilding toughness and depth in the trenches, signaling a major defensive reset under John Harbaugh and Joe Schoen.

How much money will DJ Reader earn with Giants?

The Giants backed that vision financially by signing DJ Reader to a two-year contract worth $12.5 million. With incentives included, the deal could rise to as much as $15.5 million, underscoring how important they view his presence on the interior defensive front.

Reader arrives in New York with extensive NFL experience and a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable run-stopping defensive tackles. His career has included stops with the Houston Texans from 2016 to 2019, the Cincinnati Bengals from 2020 to 2023 and the Detroit Lions during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

More importantly, he fills a role the Giants desperately needed to address after moving on from Lawrence. Reader may not bring the same star profile, but his physicality, experience and leadership make him a critical piece for a defense trying to rediscover its identity. For New York, this signing is not just about adding depth, it is about restoring stability at the heart of the defensive line.

“It doesn’t figure that there will be a place for a 5-foot-10, 280-pound defensive tackle who doesn’t hold up well against the run because of his size. Chatman has been a nice story for the Giants, but his time might be up,” as stated by Ed Valentine of Big Blue View.

This report may include a hyperbole, as ESPN lists Chatman at 6-foot. Regardless of the inches’ difference, his impact on the Giants‘ defensive line has been minimal, and it’s not ridiculous to believe he could be cut before John Harbaugh and company put together the 53-men roster for the 2026 NFL campaign.

Chatman’s stats with NY Giants

The Giants’ projected starting defense for 2026 is one that sends chills down the spine of every offensive coordinator. The beleaguered unit may finally find some stability in the Big Apple. However, Chatman may not be part of the picture.

Through 22 games with the New York Giants (17 in the 2024 NFL season and five in the 2025 campaign), Chatman has recorded 24 total tackles (12 assisted and 12 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery.

However, his most encouraging numbers came during his first year in East Rutherford. In 2025, his already limited role was further reduced, and as a result, his numbers were far from jumping off the page.

More about Chatman

Chatman spent five years at the collegiate level, playing for the SMU Mustangs. He appeared in 60 games during his NCAA career, recording 98 solo tackles (148 combined), 34 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks.

Chatman went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. New York signed him as a UDFA, but it hasn’t panned out. Chatman is signed through the 2026 campaign, but with a cap hit of $1.075 million, it’s not as though that would stop New York from parting ways with him.

Instead, the front office has taken an aggressive, volume-based approach, reshaping the entire unit through a combination of draft picks, free-agent signings, and undrafted additions.

According to Dan Duggan, the scale of that effort is striking. “Since Day 3 of the draft, the Giants have added seven defensive tackles: Zacch Pickens, DJ Reader, Shelby Harris, Leki Fotu, Bobby Jamison-Travis, Ben Barten (UDFA) and Anquin Barnes (UDFA).”

Giants go all-in on defensive line rebuild ahead of 2026 season

That level of activity isn’t accidental. It’s a direct response to one of the biggest roster changes of the offseason. Losing a cornerstone like Dexter Lawrence forced the Giants to rethink their identity up front, and every recent move has reflected that urgency.

The additions span the full spectrum. Proven veterans like D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris bring experience and stability, while players like Leki Fotu offer rotational depth.

At the same time, younger and less proven names such as Bobby Jamison-Travis, Ben Barten, and Anquin Barnes represent developmental bets who could grow into larger roles. Even the inclusion of Pickens shows the Giants’ intent to build both for the present and the future.

The approach is clear: volume and competition. Rather than relying on a single replacement for Lawrence, the Giants are constructing an entire unit capable of collectively filling that gap.

Whether that strategy pays off will depend on how quickly the group gels and whether any of the additions can elevate beyond their expected roles. But one thing is certain, the Giants are not leaving the defensive line to chance. They’ve made it the focal point of their offseason, and the results will define the next phase of the team’s identity.

According to Jordan Raanan, feedback from around the league paints a clear picture of what Reader still brings at this stage of his career. “Still a good player,” one source said. Another added: “Can still occupy the double teams but not the pass rusher and disrupter he once was.” Additional evaluations described him as “still good in the A gaps,” a “strong interior presence,” while also noting he is “getting up there in age.”

That assessment aligns with the type of role the Giants need him to fill. Reader is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Giants, with a reported $6.5 million coming his way in 2026. They’re trying to build a Super Bowl contender.

D.J. Reader signs with Giants and anchors revamped defensive line

While D.J. Reader may no longer be a dominant disruptor, his ability to control the interior and absorb double teams makes him an ideal fit for a unit that needed stability after the departure of Dexter Lawrence.

With this move, general manager Joe Schoen and head coach John Harbaugh have effectively completed a significant overhaul of the defensive line. The additions of Reader, Shelby Harris, and Leki Fotu provide a mix of experience, size, and depth, transforming what was once a major question mark into a potential strength.

The rebuild doesn’t stop there. In the draft, the Giants added a high-upside pass rusher in Arvell Reese, giving the front seven another dynamic piece to build around alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Taken together, these moves suggest more than just roster maintenance, they point to the beginning of a new era for the team. One built on physicality, depth, and a clear vision for how the defense should operate. Reader may not be the same player he once was, but for what the Giants need right now, he could be exactly the right piece at the right time.

The Giants finally replaced Lawrence by adding Reader to their defensive unit, and they believe sky is the limit for him. According to Jordan Schultz, the Giants have signed Reader to a two-year, $12.5 million contract running through the 2027 NFL season. Moreover, Reader could receive an even bigger paycheck if he accomplishes certain milestones. Ian Rapoport reports incentives could raise Reader’s contract up to $15.5 million.

As reported by Mike Garafolo, Reader will indeed earn $6.25 million if he plays in all 17 games of the regular season. The 31-year-old managed to stay healthy throughout the entire 2025 campaign with the Detroit Lions, and John Harbaugh and the Giants are now holding him to that same standard as he joins Big Blue.

Giants have signed 3 players to replace Lawrence

Since sending Lawrence to Cincinnati, New York has made strengthening the interior of the defensive line a priority. The Giants didn’t even bother to camouflage their intentions; they were very open about it.

It may have cost them some leverage in contract talks with free agents, but at the end of the day, the G-Men have now acquired three defensive linemen: Shelby Harris, Leki Fotu, and D.J. Reader—each one with different traits and attributes.

Moreover, the trio could be used in very different situations. Although they managed to come away with Reader, the Giants could also have a Plan B in rookie Bobby Jamison-Travis.

NY Giants save money

From a financial standpoint, Lawrence was due $20 million had he played for New York in 2026. The organization in East Rutherford will instead spend a total of approximately $10.5 million by signing Reader, Harris, and Fotu. The trio could earn up to $6.25 million, $3 million, and $1.29 million, respectively, in the 2026 NFL season.

The Giants are betting on quantity over quality while saving about 50% in the process. Needless to say, none of the signings may be able to replicate Lawrence’s production, but it’s a good thing the G-Men have a potentially elite front seven with the likes of Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Arvell Reese, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

If Reader performs as New York hopes he will, the recent moves in the Big Apple may be remembered for ages as the offseason in which the Giants came to life in the NFL.

NY Giants may have won the trade—for now

As it stands, the front office in Bergen County has pulled off a masterclass. However, all that matters is what happens when football is back. The Giants can rest on their laurels for the time being, but the moment of truth will come in September.

The news was confirmed by Ian Rapoport through his account on X, revealing that the deal was agreed upon for two years, with big expectations on his contract. Prior to Reader, the G-Men had already added two other tackles: Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu.

While the departure of Lawrence may have been a significant blow for John Harbaugh’s team, everything suggests it will be well covered. From now on, the physicality sought by the new head coach could prove to be up to the task.

Why is Reader the ideal replacement for Lawrence?

While replacing a powerhouse like Dexter Lawrence is no easy feat, DJ Reader is the ideal candidate because he excels at the same specialized role: being an elite run-stuffer. As a veteran nose tackle, Reader possesses the massive frame and “anchor” strength necessary to occupy multiple blockers, effectively keeping linebackers clean to make plays.

His proven ability to control the A-gap ensures the Giants’ defense maintains its physical identity upfront without losing the veteran leadership required for such a demanding position.

DJ Reader’s successful stint in Detroit Lions

Over the last two seasons with the Lions, DJ Reader has been a consistent force in the interior, recording 51 tackles and providing a surprising pass-rush spark for a nose tackle with 12 QB hits. His ability to collapse the pocket also resulted in 3 sacks, proving that he remains a disruptive and versatile presence on the defensive line.