Matt Johnson
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence requested a trade in April, sparking a myriad of NFL trade rumors surrounding the All-Pro lineman’s future. While many assumed New York would keep its best defensive player, that might not be the case.
Jordan Raanan of ESPN reports that New York “will at least listen to” inquiries during the 2026 NFL Draft regarding Lawrence. With a financial impasse between the two clubs, the organization seems to believe moving him is a legitimate option.
Related: Reporter Reveals Likely Return in Potential Dexter Lawrence Trade
It’s a bit surprising that a franchise with a starting quarterback, running back and wide receiver on rookie-scale contracts would consider moving Lawrence. The beauty of having stars at premium positions on team-friendly contracts with low cap hits is it allows the front office to spend heavily at other positions on elite talent.
Lawrence, who is already a two-time All-Pro selection at just 28 years old, would fit that bill. He’s not only one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL when healthy, but he plays a position that New York is dangerously thin at. Moving him would put the team in a dire spot on its defensive interior.
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A contract extension would likely cost in the neighborhood of $30-plus million per season. If Lawrence is traded and New York gets Day 2 picks back, there really isn’t anyone on the roster outside of Malik Nabers to devote that cap space toward.
While the class of players in the 2027 NFL free agency class features the likes of Drake London, Chris Olave, Tucker Kraft, Quenton Nelson and Joey Porter Jr., all of them are expected to sign contract extensions this year. Realistically, New York would be looking at using that cap space on players who are potentially older than Lawrence or not as good. Given that, it remains likely that the two sides work out a long-term deal.
