D.J. Readers career path with Giants takes early twist: knew it was a possibility
When the Giants first connected with D.J.Reader, the plan put forth to him was one of partnership, not replacement.The plan was more about addition, not substitution.
The Giants wanted to put Reader’s enormous 330-pound body alongside Dexter Lawrence’s massive 340-pound (that’s a modest estimate) frame and have at it with an interior of a defensive line designed to simulate the Cross Bronx Expressway at rush hour (or darn near every other hour of the day or night).Immovable.
Get texts from Paul Schwartz with all the latest Giants news and insights, exclusive to Sports+ subscribers.That was the pitch from the Giants to Reader.“I think most of the conversations were just more about adding to the room, whatever was in the room,’’ Reader said this week.At the time, Lawrence was still in the room, technically.
He was under contract for two more seasons but wanted more money and stayed away from the offseason workout program.Reader did not delve too deeply into what eventually turned into the Great Divide between Lawrence and the Giants, but he did know something was amiss and that the two sides might not figure out a way to stay together.“I knew it was a possibility of going through what they were going through with Dex,’’ Reader said.
“So that was what it was.“It would be cool, obviously, to play with him.Got a chance to text him and talk to him.
It wasn’t something that played too deep into my decision.It was more so I wanted to be in a place with some good pieces.’’The Giants eventually traded the disgruntled Lawrence to the Bengals in return for the No.
10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which they used on Sisi Mauigoa, who is working as the starting right guard.The need for Reader grew and the Giants signed him to a two-year deal worth $12.5 million, with $5.25 million in guaranteed money.
It can be looked at as a one-year commitment for $6.25 million, as the Giants after the 2026 season can get out of the contract with mini...