Giants Sign 28.5-Sack Replacement for Dexter Lawrence

The New York Giants have a big hole in the middle of their defensive line thanks to a pre-draft trade that sent three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals.

While the move allowed the Giants to address another big need - offensive line (they drafted Miami offensive tackle Francis Maiguoa with the 10th overall pick which they acquired in the Lawrence trade) - Lawrence's spot has yet to be filled.

New York selected Auburn DT Bobby Jamison-Travis in Round 6, but he's unlikely to be a big contributor as a rookie, which explains the move the team made on Wednesday morning.

"Sources: The #Giants will be signing DT Shelby Harris," NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote. "Harris, who has been in the league for over a decade, is one of the most respected DTs in the league and has appeared in more than 140 career games."

The 34-year-old Harris is fresh off a three-year run with the Cleveland Browns. He's also spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Seattle Seahawks (he was part of the blockbuster deal that sent Russell Wilson from Seattle to Denver back in 2022).

The 11-year veteran has totaled 358 tackles, 228 pressures, 161 hurries, 40 passes defended, 33 QB hits, 28.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and an interception in his career, per Pro Football Focus.

The 6-foot-2, 288-pound Harris isn't the caliber of player Lawrence is, but he's a big-bodied run-stopper who can provide a solid veteran presence on New York's defensive line next to fellow defensive tackle Darius Alexander and defensive end Chancey Golston.

The good news for the Giants is they should have one of the more feared pass-rush units in the NFC after selecting Ohio State's Arvell Reese fifth overall. Reese joins a group that includes Brian Burns (16.5 sacks in 2025), Abdul Carter (team-high 66 pressures, 43 hurries, four sacks as a rookie), and Kayvon Thibodeaux 32 pressures, 23 hurries, 2.5 sacks in 2025).

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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 10:24 AM.