ESPN selects D.J. Reader as New York Giants 2026 X-factor

ESPN analyst Ben Solak identified defensive tackle D.J. Reader as the X-factor for the New York Giants entering the 2026 season. The team signed the veteran to a two-year contract this offseason in an effort to improve a run defense that ranked 31st in yards allowed and 29th in touchdowns allowed last season. Reader arrives in New York following two seasons of declining statistical performance, including a career-low 1.1% stuff rate and an 8.6% stop rate last year. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson plans to integrate Reader into a unit that features edge rushers Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter. The team expects Reader to revitalize his performance to stabilize a defensive front that struggled against the run throughout the previous season. His ability to perform at a high level remains central to the unit’s overall defensive progress.

• 5:55 PMYahoo Sports — D.J. Reader named New York Giants' 2026 X-factor