They ticked most boxes for the New York Giants in the 2026 NFL draft, but general manager Joe Schoen and John Harbaugh know there’s still room for a veteran defensive tackle like D.J. Reader to replace All-Pro nose guard Dexter Lawrence II, even after the Giants added to the position with sixth-round pick, former Auburn starter Bobby Jamison-Travis, and also signed a pair of undrafted free-agent defensive tackles.
The Giants handed former Wisconsin D-tackle Ben Barten $2,500 in guaranteed money on Saturday, April 25, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic.
Meanwhile, NFL Insider Jordan Schultz also reported the Giants “are signing Colorado DT Anquin Barnes.”
Adding three rookies to the depth chart makes sense as Harbaugh and Schoen cast a wide net for post-Lawrence solutions, but none of these newcomers has the pedigree of Reader. He’s already piqued the Giants’ interest, although there is some debate about how they’ve expressed their interest in a potential deal.
Unfortunately, getting any contract signed with the former Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions nose tackle got a lot harder after the draft.
D.J. Reader Update Reveals Free Agency Plans
Speaking to reporters shortly after the Giants wrapped up their picks, Schoen and Harbaugh addressed where things stand with Reader. They also revealed plans for any moves at the position during the next phase of free agency.
A question about Reader’s status was put to Big Blue’s primary decision-makers by Duggan. He revealed “Schoen answered broadly that they’ve been in contact with ‘several agents of veteran defensive tackles.’ He said they’ll see what happens next week. They may have a few more visits.”
I asked where things stand with DJ Reader. Schoen answered broadly that they’ve been in contact with “several agents of veteran defensive tackles.” He said
The reference to “several” contacts with available interior defensive linemen is significant. There are still a few intriguing names on the market.
Experienced interior disruptors like Eddie Goldman and Larry Ogunjobi fit the Giants’ need for more muscle over the ball. So does six-time Pro Bowler Calais Campbell, who can still push the pile at age 39 and is well-known to Big Blue head coach John Harbaugh from their days together with the Baltimore Ravens.
Signing one of those might be easier than getting Reader in the building. At least according to Duggan, who believes the 31-year-old is still “the obvious top target. Will be curious to see where that price lands. He has leverage.”
DJ Reader is the obvious top target. Will be curious to see where that
Schoen and Harbaugh can’t hide the Giants’ pressing need for a competent defensive tackle or two. Yet, they won’t be short of options for bolstering a key spot weakened by the trade that sent disgruntled Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Those options will also include taking a long look at three rookies.
Giants Stocking Up on Potential Dexter Lawrence Replacements
A sixth-round pick or an undrafted free agent replacing an other-worldly force like Lawrence is unlikely, but the Giants are giving themselves every chance to unearth a diamond or two in the rough.
Jamison-Travis will offer the size in the middle the Giants need to shore up against the run, but there are concerns. Those worries were spelled out to SNY.tv’s Connor Hughes by a “few defensive coaches” who revealed Jamison-Travis “dropped in part because of conditioning. Was told by one coach he struggled to finish his pro day because he was getting winded.”
– Biiiig body. No lie there. Guy is 6-3, 328
– While clear the Giants are trying to replace Dexter Lawrence, Jamison-Travis isn’t nearly the athlete he is.
– He dropped in part because of conditioning.
Barten may be better conditioned after being credited with “33 reps on the bench press” at the Wisconsin pro day, something Ryan Harings of Badgers Wire believes “underscored the kind of power teams look for when building depth in the trenches.”
Similar power inside should be evident from Barnes, a 6-foot-5, 340-pounder coached by Hall of Famer Warren Sapp with the Colorado Buffaloes.
Whatever happens with Reader, the Giants look set to emerge from both the draft and free agency having done all they could to move on from Lawrence.
Giants Update D.J. Reader Status After Undrafted DT Signings