NFL insider Jordan Schultz of FOX reported this move through his X account. Harris has an extensive career in the NFL, most recently with the Cleveland Browns, and is considered one of the most respected players at his position.

Selected in the 7th round, with the 235th overall pick by the Raiders in the 2014 Draft, the defensive tackle arrives in East Rutherford with experience and talent as his main attributes. Will he finally be the missing piece the G-Men need to become contenders in the NFC East?

Shelby Harris’ 2025 numbers

During the 2025 season with the Dawg Pound, veteran standout Shelby Harris remained a consistent presence on the interior, appearing in all 17 games and recording 32 combined tackles, 1 sack, and 4 passes defensed. Despite being 34 years old, Harris proved his value as a high-level rotational piece, earning a 64.4 run-defense grade from PFF, which ranked 28th among all interior defenders.

He is considered a perfect fit for this transition to replace Dexter Lawrence’s void, because of his veteran leadership and specialized ability to disrupt both the run and pass.

Will D.J. Reader also arrive in New York?

The NY Giants reportedly plan to sign D.J. Reader as they continue to overhaul their defensive front following the trade of Dexter Lawrence. After his 2025 campaign with the Lions, where he started all 17 games and recorded 28 tackles, Reader is viewed as the ideal veteran anchor to stabilize the interior.

Strengthening the Giants’ defense

John Harbaugh has wasted no time reshaping the Giants’ defensive identity into a physical, “Ravens-style” unit through aggressive roster moves. In free agency, he targeted familiar talent and proven veterans, signing cornerback Greg Newsome and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to lead the huddle, while adding defensive tackle Sam Roberts to bolster the interior.

He complemented these moves in the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting elite Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick to serve as the new centerpiece of the front seven. By blending these established stars with high-upside rookies, Harbaugh has quickly turned a struggling unit into a formidable, disciplined group.

“Defensive tackle, we’re going to be talking about that. That’s still something we’ve got to continue to address. We’re not finished with that at all,” Harbaugh said via nbcsports.com.

With new faces coming in through the draft, as well as additions from the offseason, the New York Giants are looking to seriously enter the race to win the NFC East in the upcoming NFL season.

Giants landed an intriguing DT in the Draft

Coming out of Auburn Tigers, Bobby Jamison-Travis was selected in the 6th round with the 186th overall pick. John Harbaugh, one of the key figures behind his selection, expressed surprise that he was still available at that point in the draft.

“We were a little surprised he was still there,” the coach said of Jamison-Travis. “He’s a guy we hoped would still be there. We had a couple guys and he was still standing. We love the way he plays. He plays the way we like to play. He plays square, he locks out, he sheds blocks, he’s a very fundamentally sound guy. He’ll be a part of it, and then we get a couple vets going forward.”

Can the Giants become contenders next season?

The talent is there, and the execution will need to click from day one. John Harbaugh wants to turn his team into a legitimate contender, and to do so, they will have to overcome these rivals along the way.

“They never came close to trading him during the draft,” Adam Schefter on The Pat McAfee Show. “They had a conversation with the Saints about a month ago. Uh, the talks never really went anywhere. And we were told — I think we put up an alert during the draft, even after the Giants took Arvell Reese — that the Giants had no intention of trading Kayvon Thibodeaux at that point in time.”

However, the insider didn’t completely rule out any eventuality. “Now again, could something happen later this summer? Something always could happen. Just go back to Micah Parsons last year. But I can tell you that as of today, the Giants do not plan to nor intend to trade Kayvon Thibodeaux. The plan is to hold on to him. The plan is to keep him.”

John Harbaugh’s selections in the most recent NFL Draft, combined with the arrival of star players like Tremaine Edmunds, cast some doubt over Thibodeaux’s future in East Rutherford. However, the outlook now appears somewhat clearer heading into what’s next.

Numbers the New York Giants can’t ignore

Despite being limited to just 10 games in 2025 due to a shoulder injury that landed him on IR, Kayvon Thibodeaux remains a cornerstone of the Giants’ defensive front heading into 2026. During his time on the field, he recorded 25 total tackles (13 solo), 5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

While his pass-rushing volume was impacted by his shortened season, his efficiency in the run game was elite; he earned an 80.7 run-defense grade from PFF, ranking 7th overall among all qualified edge defenders. Furthermore, his 32 total pressures (including 6 hits and 23 hurries) demonstrate a consistent ability to disrupt the pocket.

These numbers, combined with the Giants’ decision to exercise his $14.75 million fifth-year option for 2026, solidify his role as a vital asset alongside Brian Burns.

A heavy-hitting defense for the Giants

The Giants’ linebacker corps has been aggressively retooled into a powerhouse unit for the upcoming NFL season. The highlight of the offseason was the selection of Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick, a versatile weapon from Ohio State who Harbaugh plans to use in a “unique way” alongside established star Brian Burns.

Thibodeaux provides elite depth and rotational strength to a group that also features the high-upside Abdul Carter and veteran Tremaine Edmunds. This mix of blue-chip rookies and proven veterans gives New York one of the most physically imposing defensive fronts in the league as it transition into the Harbaugh era.

After four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the defensive end had arrived to the G-Men on a reserve/future contract. However, the recent picks in the latest Draft may have put an end to his short stint with the franchise.

The selection of defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis in the sixth round (pick 186) could have been the final trigger for Mason to be waived. The physical “overhaul” the Giants are seeking in the trenches also might played a role.

The Giants looked to reinforce their trenches

Ahead of 2026 NFL season, the New York Giants made a concerted effort to rebuild their presence in the trenches during the offseason. The focal point of this transformation was the Draft, where the team used the No. 10 overall pick (acquired from the Bengals) on Francis Mauigoa, a massive offensive lineman from Miami.

They continued to bolster the offensive line on Day 3 by drafting J.C. Davis from Illinois. On the defensive side, the Giants added size and depth by selecting the aforementioned Bobby Jamison-Travis out of Auburn. By prioritizing these high-upside prospects alongside existing starters like Andrew Thomas and Brian Burns, the front office has clearly signaled a return to a “physical-first” identity for the 2026 season.

Harbaugh looks to build a physical team

Under John Harbaugh’s leadership, the Giants are pivoting toward a “physical-first” philosophy to rectify the glaring deficiencies that derailed their 2025 campaign. Last season, the team’s struggles in the trenches were historic; the offensive line surrendered a staggering 48 sacks, ranking near the bottom of the league and leaving their quarterbacks constantly under duress with an 8.36% sack rate.

The defensive front offered little relief, as the unit collapsed against the run, allowing a league-worst 5.3 yards per carry and ranking 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (145.3). By overhauling the roster with high-motor, heavy-set players, Harbaugh is signaling a departure from a team that was bullied at the line of scrimmage, aiming to build a disciplined squad that can finally control the tempo of the game through sheer force.

The star wide receiver made it clear he would have preferred Jeremiyah Love and later Caleb Downs, while also expressing uncertainty about how Arvell Reese would be used.

Rather than dismiss the situation, head coach John Harbaugh chose to address it directly and constructively. “We had a great conversation. It’s like he said: ‘I was curious about how you were going to use him.’ I showed him how we’re going to use him. He is fired up about it. I appreciate it.”

John Harbaugh doesn’t have a problem with Malik Nabers

John Harbaugh made it clear that he doesn’t see public criticism as something to fear, especially when it comes from a player who is invested in the team’s success. The head coach went even further, downplaying the significance of the public nature of the comments.

“You know, one thing that you’ll kind of probably see as we go here, we don’t get too worried about stuff. As long as the person’s heart is in the right place, as long as the person really cares, a player, a coach, or anybody, you really want what’s best for everybody, you’re coming from. He has a good heart and a good place. Say what you think. Put it out there. We talk all the time about confronting everything that has to do with our football.”

Giants and Malik Nabers are on the same page

In the end, the situation may say more about the Giants’ internal dynamics than the controversy itself. Nabers wanted answers, and the coaching staff was willing to provide them. Rather than creating division, the moment may have strengthened communication, turning a public critique into a private alignment moving forward.

“So, Malik wants to know how we’re going to use our first round pick, I want to show him. I want to explain it to him. The fact that he says it publicly, who cares? I know fans are probably thinking the same thing.”

Though listed as an outside linebacker coming out of college, Reese can truly play on every position across the box. Harbaugh and the Giants took that into account before making their first pick in the opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

As Harbaugh noted, New York expects Reese to change shapes and help the defense in a position-less role. At the end of the day, Arvell Reese’s profile speaks for itself, and the Giants simply drafted the best player available in the 2026 NFL Draft.

“Arvell is a versatile player. We’re gonna play him at inside backer, WILL backer,” Harbaugh stated, per NY Daily News Sports. “Our defense is flexible, position-less. He’ll have an opportunity to move around, but he’ll line up next to Tremaine [Edmunds].”

NY Giants’ depth

With the likes of Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York has enough options to get to the opposing quarterback from the edge. Moreover, pass rushers such as Chauncey Golston, Caleb Murphy, Trace Ford, and DeMarvin Leal ensure the Giants have sufficient depth to withstand the 17-game NFL season. As highly touted a prospect as he is, Reese will have to earn his reps on the outside.

On the inside of the linebacking corps, the G-Men have talent, too. Based on Harbaugh’s statement, Reese is already ahead of Micah McFadden on the depth chart and will play alongside Edmunds. New York also has Darius Muasau, Cam Jones, Zaire Barnes, and Swayze Bozeman to provide depth.

Just getting started

The Giants might add more options in the coming days of the 2026 NFL Draft. It’d be surprising, to say the least, but so was the G-Men selecting Reese with their No. 5 pick, so fans—and Nabers—may want to buckle up and hold on tight, as the draft weekend is only getting started.

Though due to very different factors, both the Chiefs and Giants have accepted they likely can’t draft Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the two organizations could still find themselves in direct competition for prospects if New York trades down and leaves Reid and Kansas City sandwiched in between G-Men’s picks.

That is very likely. New York has made clear its intention to trade down for the right price, and the Giants’ dream scenario may be possible thanks to the Arizona Cardinals’ interest in Love. The sudden change of heart in Glendale could open the gates for pandemonium to break loose in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it might lead New York to trade down. With whom—and to what position exactly? The New Orleans Saints’ first-round pick (No. 8 overall) may make a lot of sense.

“What if Arvell Reese or David Bailey is still there at five? [The Giants’] phone is going to be ringing. And it’s going to be the Saints calling. So now they’ve got pick 8 and 10,” NFL analyst Todd McShay stated on The Rich Eisen Show.

Who might the Giants select?

If such a scenario unfolds, Harbaugh‘s Giants may roll the dice and trade down. There’s a risk they could miss out on a player they really want, but it could all be worth it.

In an ideal world, the Giants move out of the top five to acquire even more picks—whether in 2026 or future drafts—and with their potential newly acquired No. 8 overall selection, they could take Caleb Downs, who may still be on the board. That would really hurt Reid and the Chiefs, who have shown interest in the Ohio State product, and whose secondary really needs a spark after a deflating 2025 season.

Who could the Chiefs draft?

There are concerns about drafting a safety so high in the first round, but this year’s draft could be one that sees positional value fly out the window. If Downs is gone at No. 8, the Chiefs could turn to bolstering protection for Patrick Mahomes, who is coming off surgery for a torn ACL and LCL.

The easy pick would be OT Francis Mauigoa. That could all but clear the path for the Giants to draft Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson with the No. 10 overall pick.

NY Giants could be in for historic draft night

Walking away from Day 1 with Downs and Tyson would put the Giants up for a perfect draft right from the get-go. If fans in New York have learned anything, it’s that perfection is hardly achievable, so they know better than to daydream too much. Anything can happen in the NFL, though, and even a perfect draft night could be in store for the G-Men on April 23.

“The #Giants, who had gotten trade calls centered around edge Kayvon Thibodeaux for the last few months, are now considered less likely to trade him following the blockbuster deal sending Dexter Lawrence to the #Bengals, sources say,” Ian Rapoport revealed on X. “No one is ruling anything out. But unlikely.”

The insider also revealed that Thibodeaux is set to play on his $14.751M fifth-year option. If his stay is confirmed, it would be a huge defensive boost for John Harbaugh.

Elite defense for the Giants

The New York Giants have assembled a truly elite defensive front, anchored by the fearsome trio of Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and the rising star Abdul Carter. Thibodeaux is coming off a dominant 2025 campaign where he registered 13.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles, establishing himself as a premier game-changer in the league.

With Burns providing veteran pressure from the opposite edge and Carter adding explosive athleticism to the rotation, the G-Men possess one of the most formidable pass-rushing units in football. Given the chemistry of this group, a potential departure for Thibodeaux would be catastrophic for John Harbaugh’s defensive scheme, as it would strip the team of its most consistent disruptor and leave a massive void that even the most talented rosters would struggle to fill.

What is Thibodeaux’s contract situation?

Kayvon Thibodeaux is currently entering the fifth-year option of his rookie contract for the 2026 season, though his lack of a long-term extension talks have fueled trade speculation throughout the offseason. General Manager Joe Schoen has publicly stated he expects “big things” from Thibodeaux under new head coach John Harbaugh, but without a new deal, the star edge rusher is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

“This guy does more work in the draft than any coach I’ve ever been around,” the General Manager told Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer. “The bar is high with his passion for the draft and the amount of work he does; he’s always learning. And I always want to learn.

“And, obviously, he’s got a tremendous track record, and he’s been in an organization for the previous 18 years that won a lot of football games. So we have a process in place, but we’re always open to being more efficient. It’s whatever we need to do to get to the endgame.”

Harbaugh already has his eye on Thursday

Everyone already has their mind set on what will happen next Thursday in Pittsburgh, including the Giants. A new edition of the draft will take place there, when the vast majority of teams select young talent coming from college football.

The last-minute move involving Lawrence’s departure increased the number of picks the G-Men will have when this major event begins. Harbaugh is analyzing every step to make the most of each of his picks.

• Round 1 – No. 5
• Round 1 – No. 10 (via Cincinnati)
• Round 4 – No. 105
• Round 5 – No. 145
• Round 6 – No. 186
• Round 6 – No. 192 (via Miami)
• Round 6 – No. 193 (via Dallas)

What do the Giants need?

With the #5 and #10 picks, the Giants’ primary objective is filling the massive void left by Dexter Lawrence’s departure by targeting a high-impact interior defensive lineman or a versatile edge rusher to anchor the front seven. Simultaneously, New York needs to capitalize on this draft capital to bolster a struggling secondary or secure an elite playmaker like a top-tier running back to support their young quarterback.

Under John Harbaugh’s direction, expect the front office to prioritize a balance of blue-chip defensive talent and offensive explosiveness to quickly retool a roster that is now pivoting into a new era.

Flowers’ appeared on the 4th and South podcast and said that John Harbaugh‘s practices were “full pads all the time… Week 17, we’re doing one-on-ones, everybody out there, we’re tired, we’re still going.” Flowers also stated, “That’s why we had a lot of injuries.”

Flowers spoke to Minter and stated that the new Ravens coach assured him that now the practices will be a little easier on your body for players to be fresher in games. Minter was on the Ravens roster as an assistant back in 2017.

Flowers has been quite healthy despite complaints

Flowers said Harbaugh’s regime caused plenty of injuries, however, he has missed just one game in his whole career. The two-time Pro Bowl has been as consistent as a player can be. Having said that, the Ravens as a whole have been quite injured for the last couple of years.

The fact is football is a contact sport, so injuries are bound to happen. However, going full pads, full force every single time will wear on the players, but apparently that was a risk Harbaugh was willing to take.

The Ravens need to bounce back

Last season, the Ravens ended 8-9, missed the playoffs, and had to restructure the whole staff. Harbaugh is gone, offensive coordinator Todd Monken is gone, and defensive coordinator Zach Orr is also gone.

This is a team with a generational quarterback, so expectations are always to win the Super Bowl. Not going to the playoffs is not an acceptable outcome, regardless of injuries. Hence, it’s bounce back season for them.

As commented by an NFL insider, Harbaugh could have big plans for Lawrence in his first year on the job in East Rutherford. Moreover, due to his style of football on the defensive side of the ball, it’s easy to imagine why Harbaugh could ask the front office to go above and beyond to retain Lawrence. Perhaps, the Giants can keep Lawrence happy without being forced to hand him a new contract.

“I think Dexter Lawrence II will remain a Giant,” Albert Breer stated on Sports Illustrated. “Looking back at the history of John Harbaugh and how he and his teams have valued big men on both sides of the ball over the years, it would seem likely that he, Joe Schoen and his staff will find a way to keep Lawrence.”

Harbaugh’s system needs Lawrence

Harbaugh’s defense tends to favor powerful defensive tackles who can disrupt the opponent’s running game, just like they can make a quarterback pay if not double-teamed at the line of scrimmage. Throughout his years in Baltimore, there are countless examples. Most recently, players like Calais Campbell, Michael Pierce, John Jenkins, and Travis Jones met that criteria on the Ravens.

As Harbaugh arrives in The City That Never Sleeps, he understands how crucial Lawrence is to his system. Losing the best nose tackle in the NFL before he even gets to see him take a rep in offseason workouts would be a deflating loss, as well as a terrible omen, for Harbaugh’s time in The Big Apple.

Giants are still making up their mind

While all that remains true, the Giants have sent out mixed signals about Lawrence and a potential trade. That was the case as New York hosted veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader on a visit. It could mean the G-Men want to bolster the interior of the defensive line around Lawrence, just as it might signal they are willing to part ways with him.

As it stands, it’s all up in the air. However, it won’t be long before New York is forced to make a decision. The 2026 NFL Draft is looming, and it may give the Giants the best opportunity to trade Lawrence for a high price. If not, the market for Lawrence will be limited to those organizations that missed out on nose tackles in the draft, but the price won’t be as high, and it will likely turn into a buyer’s market.

If the Giants don’t deal Lawrence before the Draft, they virtually confirm he will stay in town. The only way for Lawrence to stay—not against his will—is through an economic incentive. A restructured contract, a new extension—you name it—but the Giants likely won’t change Lawrence’s mind with a magic trick. It will come at a cost.