They’ve been loading up on unheralded defensive tackles, but the New York Giants could finally add a credible replacement for All-Pro Dexter Lawrence II by reuniting head coach John Harbaugh with “an all-time high-character presence” and six-time Pro Bowler who’s still available in 2026 NFL free agency.
It’s Calais Campbell who still makes sense for the Giants, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. He pointed out that while Campbell is pushing 40, the All-Pro interior disruptor “still has something left in the tank. He has started all 51 games over the past three seasons (for three different teams) and managed 18 sacks.”
The last 6.5 of those sacks came with the Arizona Cardinals, who “are in ‘wait-and-see mode’ about Campbell returning, but it makes more sense for him to come full circle. He was in the Super Bowl (and lost) as a rookie in 2009.”
Harbaugh coached Campbell for three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, so he has enough inside knowledge to make the Giants contenders to sign the dominant veteran. Even though the Giants “seem zeroed in on D.J. Reader” to answer their “significant need at defensive tackle.”
The need is still strong, despite Big Blue adding two veteran D-tackles on Wednesday, April 29. They have joined a rookie trio comprised of a late-round pick and a pair of undrafted free agents along a defensive line Dan Duggan of The Athletic believes still faces a “scary” lack of “capable vets to get through this season.”
Few experienced linemen left on the market are as capable as Campbell.
Calais Campbell a Credible Dexter Lawrence Replacement
The Giants gave up an elite game-wrecker when they traded Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th-overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Replacing the three-time Pro Bowler’s particular set of skills is a daunting challenge, but Campbell is a credible alternative.
He has a lengthy track record of wrecking both phases of an offense. While he’s past his peak, Campbell remains an active and productive pass-rusher.
The 18-year pro’s enduring ability to collapse the pocket and put heat on quarterbacks is summed up by this sack of Bryce Young against the Carolina Panthers from last season.
His 2nd of the game seals the win for the @AZCardinals 💪
Campbell is still delivering the push on the pass-pocket the Giants need from the inside. He’s also always been more of a force against the run than Lawrence, helping himself to 9.5 run stuffs in 2025, per ESPN.
Getting tougher on the ground remains a priority for the Giants defensively. A process that must start up front with more natural and willing run-stuffers like Campbell or the team’s other primary target.
Giants Need Defensive Tackles to Key Tougher Run Front
The need to improve last season’s miserable rush defense, that allowed a league-high 5.3 yards per carry, explains why the Giants have been pushed to pursue Reader. He’s a 330-pounder who does his best work over the ball, controlling double teams, pushing the pile and clogging running lanes.
Those traits are why the Giants’ latest addition to the D-tackle depth chart, Leki Fotu, isn’t viewed “as (a) pivot from Reader,” according to Duggan. The latter’s thoughts are shared by NorthJersey.com’s Art Stapleton, who doesn’t “get the sense that the signing of Leki Fotu is going to stand in the way of any other signings for the Giants, at DT or any other position.”
Other positions may need fresh bodies, but arguably no other spot could use an infusion of marquee talent as much as the interior of the defensive line. Signing Campbell or Reader would be a minor coup for the Giants at this stage of Harbaugh’s offseason rebuild.
Giants Named Fit to Add ‘All-Time’ Free Agent at ‘Scary’ Position