The New York Giants are in a fierce battle on the free agent market, competing for a 10-year veteran defender who could fill the massive void left by Dexter Lawrence. After trading Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals just before the NFL Draft, the Giants knew they had to shore up their defensive tackle depth—and fast.

To their credit, the Giants have already made moves, signing Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu on Wednesday. But the team isn't stopping there. Rumors have been swirling that New York is eyeing a former Houston Texans starter as a potential replacement for Lawrence, though a deal has yet to materialize.

On Thursday, NFL insider Jordan Shultz revealed that the Giants are now facing stiff competition for the 31-year-old veteran. "My understanding is the #Giants are still very much in the mix for DT DJ Reader," Shultz reported on X/Twitter. "But, they have real competition for him. The signings of Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu today won't have an impact on the Giants' pursuit of Reader."

Essentially, while the Giants are in far better shape at defensive tackle after their recent additions, they appear committed to further bolstering their depth. Reader, a Clemson product, is a hot commodity on the free agent market after spending four seasons with the Texans, four with the Bengals, and two with the Detroit Lions. Last season with the Lions, he recorded 28 total tackles, and during his four-year stint with the Texans (2016-2019), he logged 154 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

For the Giants, landing Reader would be a significant win, providing veteran leadership and a proven track record. But with other teams also in the mix, New York will need to present its best offer to avoid a devastating letdown. As the offseason heats up, all eyes are on whether the Giants can secure this key piece to their defensive puzzle.