Giants bring in DT for visit after Dexter Lawrence trade

The New York Giants are still examining the free agency market for a new defensive tackle ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Dexter Lawrence II trade has forced the team to work out veteran replacements, which now includes Benito Jones.

After spending the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins, Jones has yet to sign with another team. However, he became the latest defensive tackle to visit the Giants on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Jones, 28, appeared in 14 games for the Dolphins last season, including eight starts. He ended the year with 15 tackles, one sack and one batted pass.

Before his regressive 2025 season, during which Miami was nothing short of a disaster, Jones started 30 games between the Dolphins and Detroit Lions from 2023 to 2024. He put up 50 tackles, one sack, 10 quarterback pressures and seven tackles for loss during that two-year frame.

Aside from Jones, the Giants have also worked out 10-year veteran D.J. Reader, whom they are expected to sign after the 2026 NFL Draft, according to Paul Schwartz of the NY Post. Schwartz reported that New York is waiting until after the draft to preserve their compensatory pick status for the Lawrence trade.

With Lawrence out of the mix, the Giants are suddenly left thin in the middle of their once-elite defensive line. New York added veteran journeymen Marlon Tuipulotu and Sam Roberts in free agency, but it remains one of their thinnest positional groups ahead of the draft.

Despite the dire interior defensive line needs, the Giants are not expected to target the position with either of their top-10 picks. The current draft class lacks early-round excitement at defensive tackle and will likely be a Day Two or Day Three priority instead.

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