The New York Giants received a shock on Monday afternoon when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that former All-Pro defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence requested a trade from the organization.
Lawrence and the Giants have been through two off seasons attempting to negotiate a contract
Lawrence wants out of New York and will not be participating in the team’s offseason workout program that starts on Tuesday.
According to Schefter, Lawrence has been looking for a new contract that better reflects his value over the last two offseasons. His representation and the Giants‘ front office have been unable to find common ground.
The former first-round pick currently has two years remaining on his contract and is set to make $20 million in 2026.
Will the Giants Trade Dexter Lawrence?
Now that the trade request is out in the open, the question remains whether or not the New York Giants will respect it.
In all likelihood, Lawrence isn’t going anywhere. You could make the case he’s the Giants‘ best player, and entering John Harbaugh’s first year on the job with expectations to win, cutting ties with a former All-Pro defensive tackle is not going to make the team better.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that the Giants and Lawrence figured out a way to stay together last summer. Is there another solution the two sides can find throughout the offseason?
Should the Giants Extend Dexter Lawrence?
This whole saga would go away if the New York Giants decided to pony up a new contract and give Lawrence that long-term mega extension he’s looking for. But should they?
Lawrence had a down year in 2025. He managed to stay healthy for a full season for the first time since 2020, but he produced a career-low 0.5 sacks. His best days may be behind him, which is why the Giants are likely hesitant to give him what he’s looking for.
SNY’s Connor Hughes noted that New York was adamant at the NFL Scouting Combine that the team would not move Lawrence, and new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson was vocal in wanting to work with the three-time Pro Bowler.
Maybe Lawrence can have a career resurgence under Harbaugh and Wilson in 2026, and cash in next year, entering the final year of his contract.
What Would a Dexter Lawrence Trade Package Look Like?
If the New York Giants do end up trading Lawrence, they could be looking at a decent return.
On the other hand, a public trade request does not bode well for the price, as now teams know that New York’s star defender wants out.
General manager Joe Schoen will likely look to the most recent former All-Pro defensive tackle trade, when the New York Jets dealt Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys at last year’s trade deadline.
The Jets got back a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick for their star DT, a pretty incredible haul in hindsight.
Williams also wanted out of New York, but kept his trade requests quiet. It likely helped the Jets get a better package for the player.
Lawrence, on the other hand, isn’t going quietly and is making his demands public information. It may only drag out trade talks with other teams.
If I had to guess, if the Giants are forced to trade Lawrence, it may only be for a late first-round pick or an early second-rounder.
Giants’ Dexter Lawrence Requests Trade Amid Contract Standoff