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Giants Sign Shelby Harris After Trading Dexter Lawrence

4/30/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Giants Sign Harris

New York Giants signed defensive tackle Shelby Harris to a one-year contract after trading Dexter Lawrence II for the No. 10 pick in the 2026 draft.
Harris recorded 32 tackles and one sack in 17 games for the Browns in 2025, with versatility at three-tech, nose tackle and over the tackle.
The deal adds depth to an interior line that drafted DT Bobby Jamison-Travis and does not affect the Giants’ picks.

Summary

Harris Joins Giants

Harris joined the Giants because he wanted to play for former Browns coordinator Jim Schwartz.
He will turn 35 in August and missed the final weeks of the 2024 season after an elbow injury in Week 15.
The Browns are refreshing their defensive line with younger players Mason Graham and free-agent Kalia Davis.

History

Historical Context

Reggie White’s 4-year, $17 million deal with the Green Bay Packers in the early 1990s launched the NFL’s modern free-agency era, showing teams could pay veterans top dollar. Decades later, the New York Giants followed that model by adding 35-year-old defensive end Shelby Harris in the 2025-26 season, illustrating the lasting strategy of using seasoned linemen to balance draft youth.

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Giants Sign Harris

New York Giants signed defensive tackle Shelby Harris to a one-year contract after trading Dexter Lawrence II for the No. 10 pick in the 2026 draft.
Harris recorded 32 tackles and one sack in 17 games for the Browns in 2025, with versatility at three-tech, nose tackle and over the tackle.
The deal adds depth to an interior line that drafted DT Bobby Jamison-Travis and does not affect the Giants’ picks.

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