Andrew Buller-Russ
The New York Giants have been working on assembling what they feel is a roster capable of competing for a playoff spot in 2026 all offseason long. Moving on from Brian Daboll and hiring a former Super Bowl winner in John Harbaugh is a big part of that. So was Dexter Lawrence, who Harbaugh called a “middlestone” rather than a franchise cornerstone.
Yet, in the recent weeks, the Giants have apparently reached a stalemate after Lawrence informed them he wants a raise over his current four-year, $87.5 million deal, where he ranks as the 12th-highest-paid DT at an average of $21.8 million per season.
After Lawrence determined that the Giants weren’t going to budge on his raise request, the three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle demanded a trade. Now, there’s been some movement on that front.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Giants have indeed reached a contract “impasse” with Lawrence and his agent.
“The Giants have engaged with teams on a potential trade and that will continue,” Rapoport wrote. “It should come to a head before the Draft. By the time the Draft arrives, the Giants should gain a full understanding of league-wide interest in Dexter Lawrence, allowing them to make an all-important decision on his future and theirs.”
Related: 6 Best Dexter Lawrence Landing Spots After Trade Request From Giants
Several teams have likely already expressed their interest in trading for Lawrence. Now that the team may have reached an understanding that they won’t pay what Lawrence is demanding, the possibility for a trade appears to have increased. Plus, with the 2026 NFL Draft just two weeks away, the Giants have a golden window to execute a trade and still have a chance to improve their team/fill the hole vacated by Lawrence.
While several teams have a need for a better defensive tackle, there isn’t one who’s viewed as a surefire first-round selection. Meanwhile, trading for Lawrence gives teams a chance to ensure they address their weakness with a proven superstar. Thus, contending teams that feel like they’re just a few pieces away may be the ones paying special attention to Lawrence’s market.
Related: New York Giants GM Joe Schoen Raves About Top NFL Draft Prospect
