Former Giants Defensive Tackle Joins NFC East Rival

D.J. Davidson signs with the Washington Commanders after being released by the New York Giants.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:37am

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The New York Giants have parted ways with defensive tackle D.J. Davidson, a former fifth-round draft pick, and he has signed with their NFC East rival, the Washington Commanders. Davidson struggled to make an impact during his time with the Giants, recording just 49 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and three pass deflections in his two seasons with the team.

Why it matters

The move highlights the Giants' continued roster overhaul under new head coach John Harbaugh, as the team looks to bolster its defensive line depth. Meanwhile, the Commanders are hoping Davidson can provide some added strength and versatility to their defensive front, which includes starters Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Tim Settle Jr.

The details

Davidson was a fifth-round draft pick of the Giants in 2022 after a standout college career at Arizona State, where he earned All-Pac-12 honors in 2021. However, he was unable to establish himself as a consistent contributor in New York, playing less than 35% of the team's defensive and special teams snaps. The Commanders are now giving him a chance to earn a role in their defensive line rotation as they look to improve upon a 2022 season that saw them finish 8-8-1 and miss the playoffs.

  • The Giants drafted Davidson in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
  • Davidson spent the last two seasons with the Giants before being released this offseason.
  • Davidson signed with the Commanders on April 1, 2026.

The players

D.J. Davidson

A former fifth-round draft pick of the New York Giants in 2022, Davidson struggled to make an impact during his two seasons with the team, recording modest stats before being released this offseason.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants, who has been putting his stamp on the roster since taking over this offseason.

Daron Payne

A starting defensive tackle for the Washington Commanders, part of a defensive line that the team hopes Davidson can provide depth for.

Javon Kinlaw

Another starting defensive tackle for the Washington Commanders, who will be looking to Davidson to add depth to the interior of their defensive line.

Tim Settle Jr.

The third starting defensive tackle for the Washington Commanders, rounding out a defensive line that the team hopes Davidson can contribute to.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build depth and competition along the defensive line, and D.J. brings some valuable experience and potential that we're excited to evaluate further.”

— Ron Rivera, Head Coach, Washington Commanders

What’s next

The Commanders will look to integrate Davidson into their defensive line rotation during OTAs, minicamp, and training camp, as they evaluate whether he can earn a consistent role on their defense.

The takeaway

This move highlights the ongoing roster churn in the NFC East, as teams look to find the right mix of talent and depth to compete in one of the NFL's most competitive divisions. For the Giants, it's another sign of their commitment to overhauling their roster under new leadership, while the Commanders are hoping Davidson can provide a boost to their defensive front.