Despite having one of the most talented defensive lines in the NFL, it hasn't equated to production for the New York Giants. While Abdul Carter is slowly breaking out, Brian Burns has started to slow down after a hot start, but the big problem is the lack of help for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II.
Sexy Dexy has been one of the best defensive tackles in football, but it hasn't mattered. The Giants are surrendering a league-worst 5.6 yards per carry and only the Bengals have allowed more rushing yards per game, which prompted Roundtable's Matthew Schmidt to propose an intriguing idea.
New York's struggles against the run saw Schmidt suggest signing D.J. Reader in free agency this offseason. They will most likely be picking high enough to draft Clemson's Peter Woods, but Schmidt believes spending on a DT in free agency is the superior course of action for the G-Men.
"New York absolutely needs to address the issue during the offseason, and while I think drafting Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods will be the best possible solution, I could also see the Giants taking to free agency if they want to address another position on Day 1 of the draft."Matthew Schmidt
Schmidt also brought up that Lawrence has been playing injured this season, so adding some DT insurance could be what helps him return to form, if the team doesn't cut ties this offseason.
Giants should pursue a Clemson reunion and sign D.J. Reader
Reader is one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the NFL, so he's certainly a player the Giants should look into signing. Given he's on the wrong side of 30, the 31-year-old could be a cost-effective free agent addition that will undoubtedly help fill one of the biggest holes on the roster.
And given he stands at 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, he is another "hog molly" that could help the Giants clog the middle. After Reader's Lions teammate Jahmyr Gibbs was one of many backs to torch this defense on the ground, he could be the piece that helps Joe Schoen right a major wrong on defense.
Schmidt noted that his last contract was for just $11 million per season, which means Schoen won't have to break the bank to bring him to New York, so for a team that isn't in a great spot financially, signing Reader could open the floodgates to draft a receiver or OL in the first round in the 2026 Draft.
Given Lawrence, Woods, and Reader are all products of Dabo Swinney and the Tigers, a Clemson reunion at defensive tackle is certainly what fans should hope for to improve a massive area of concern, regardless of whether it's Reader or Woods playing alongside the Giants' fan favorite.