The New York Giants’ fire sale continued on Wednesday, sending former All-Pro defender Damon Harrison to the Detroit Lions for a draft pick.
The New York Giants have packed some “Snacks” to Detroit.
The team has traded defensive tackle Damon Harrison to the Detroit Lions for a fifth-round draft pick, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
It’s a 5th rounder going to the #Giants from Detroit. Big move from GM Bob Quinn. https://t.co/f9qBSYujbC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2018
Thus ends a relatively short, but prolific, Giants tenure for Harrison, affectionately referred to as “Snacks” by fans and teammates. Harrison joined the team on a five-year deal in 2016, enjoying a breakout year in the ensuing season, setting career-highs in tackles (86) and sacks (2.5). The Associated Press named Harrison a first-team All-Pro, as he helped guide the Giants to an 11-5 mark and their first playoff appearance since 2012.
Creating a reputation as one of the best run defenders in the league, Harrison’s efforts were recognized by his peers, as he was ranked in the 96th slot in the 2017 edition of the NFL Top 100 Players list. He went on to be one of the Giants’ rare bright spots during the ensuing lost 3-13 season, earning 76 tackles and 1.5 sacks, as well as a career-high three pass deflections and his first career interception.
Through seven games in 2018, Harrison had racked up 31 tackles and a forced fumble.
Also ending is Harrison’s tenure with the New York area in general. An alum of NAIA school William Penn, Harrison made a name for himself as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets, tallying 193 tackles over three seasons. He had earned the team’s starting defensive tackle job by his second season in 2013, and Tom Brady became the victim of his first NFL sack.
Harrison’s trade to the Lions, who currently sit at 3-3 and within striking distance of the NFC North division title, comes just under 24 hours after the Giants traded fellow defensive starter Eli Apple to the New Orleans Saints. The Giants took two defensive tackles in the most recent draft, North Carolina State’s B.J. Hill in the third and Miami’s R.J. McIntosh in the fifth, though the latter has dealt with injuries all season.
The new-look Giants will return to action on Sunday, taking on the Washington Redskins at home (1:00 p.m., Fox).
