EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants are trading star defensive tackle Damon "Snacks" Harrison to the Detroit Lions, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.
The Giants will receive a fifth-round draft pick in 2019 for the stalwart in the middle of the defensive line, according to the person, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal has not been announced.
"I'm not going to comment on any situation that is not official or not complete," Detroit coach Matt Patricia said Wednesday. "There's a process that is involved in all this. We have spoken to the Giants. That is true."
ESPN was the first to report the trade, which comes less than a week before the league's trading deadline at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The trade is the second for the Giants (1-6) in less than 24 hours and indicates the organization is cleaning house after four wins in the last 23 regular-season games. New York sent cornerback Eli Apple, a 2016 first-round selection, to New Orleans for two picks on Tuesday.
Last week, it waived offensive tackle Ereck Flowers, a 2015 first-round pick.
Harrison joined the Giants as a free agent in 2016, signing a five-year, $46 million contract. He was named an AP Pro in helping them make the playoffs in 2016. The seven-year veteran never missed a game in his 2½ years, starting 39 times. He had 31 tackles and a forced fumble this season.
The Lions (3-3) have one of the NFL's worst run defenses. The line has been without end Ziggy Ansah most of the season. Former Giant Romeo Okwara has been in the rotation at end for Detroit.
Second-year pro Dalvin Tomlinson and rookie B.J. Hill will handle the Giants' tackle spots, backed up by veterans Josh Mauro and John Jenkins. Rookie RJ McIntosh has started practicing after spending the season on the non-football injury list.
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