The New York Giants are wasting no time in their mission to rebuild the defensive line after the blockbuster trade of star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals. While the team has already added veterans Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu, and drafted Auburn's Bobby Jamison-Travis in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL draft, they're clearly not done shopping for experienced interior linemen to shore up their run defense.

According to Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com, the Giants have held discussions with veteran defensive tackle Austin Johnson—a familiar face who spent two seasons in East Rutherford earlier in his career. This comes as the team continues to explore its options, having also hosted Harris and Benito Jones for visits, with D.J. Reader also reportedly in the mix.

Johnson, now 31, is a Galloway, New Jersey native who brings both local roots and proven production. Originally selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2016 NFL draft out of Penn State, he signed with the Giants in 2020. His best season came in 2021, when he started all 17 games and posted career highs with 72 tackles and 3.5 sacks—a testament to his ability to clog running lanes and disrupt the pocket.

At 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds, Johnson offers the kind of size and veteran savvy that could be a perfect fit for a Giants defense looking to plug a gaping hole up front. His familiarity with the organization and proven run-stopping ability make him a logical target as the team works to rebuild its defensive identity.

These ongoing talks signal that general manager Joe Schoen is committed to fortifying the interior through free agency, even as competition for fellow veteran D.J. Reader heats up. For Giants fans, it's a clear sign that the team is serious about restoring the defensive front to its former glory—one veteran addition at a time.