Do Giants view D.J. Reader as a possible replacement for Dexter Lawrence II?

Multiple reporters and insiders previously insisted that the New York Giants plan to hold onto Dexter Lawrence II even though the defensive tackle went public with a trade request.

However, such comments were shared before it was learned that the Giants hosted free agent defensive tackle D.J. Reader for a visit on Monday. Understandably, some wondered if Giants head coach John Harbaugh viewed Reader as a potential replacement for Lawrence.

It appears that isn't the case. 

Are Giants looking to replace Dexter Lawrence II via free agency or the draft? 

"The Giants went into this offseason determined to get bigger and more stout along their defensive line," team reporter Paul Schwartz of the New York Post revealed on Monday. "...Adding Reader would not replace Dexter Lawrence, the disgruntled nose tackle who wants more money added to his contract and, as a result, has requested a trade. The Giants are not interested in parting ways with Lawrence, but they are interested in finding a running mate for him on the interior of the line."

Previously, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated noted that Harbaugh often "valued big men on both sides of the ball" while serving as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. While Reader may be a nice addition for Harbaugh's defense, the 31-year-old would not be a like-for-like replacement for Lawrence, who was a dominant interior force during the 2024 campaign. 

The Giants signed Lawrence to a four-year, $90M extension in the spring of 2023. As Schwartz noted, Lawrence is now the league’s 12th-highest-paid interior defensive lineman. The 28-year-old feels he deserves a pay raise, while the Giants aren't interested in getting weaker at the position. 

What Giants want after Dexter Lawrence II trade request

"The Giants want to keep Lawrence and surround him with more support along the line to help fix a run defense that finished 31st in the NFL in 2025," Schwartz added. "Reader would address that desire." 

Breer is among those who think the Giants will either sign Lawrence to a new extension or "guarantee a portion of his pay and add meaningful incentives" to his deal for the 2026 season. Either way, it appears that the Giants are serious about keeping Lawrence and giving him some help in the form of a veteran tackle.