Ever since it was first reported that New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II had submitted a trade request, reports indicated that he simply wanted a pay raise and wasn’t looking to leave the Giants this offseason.
It appears that may not be entirely accurate.
Dexter Lawrence II doesn’t want an extension from the Giants?
On Thursday, NFL insider Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports shared that “Lawrence’s trade request was not just an attempt” to receive another extension from the Giants.
“Two sources tell me he does indeed want out of New York,” Jones explained. “But the Giants do not necessarily agree, and they don’t have to make a deal by [the start of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23].”
While talks between the two sides have reportedly broken down, the Giants seemingly aren’t in a rush to trade Lawrence for pennies on the dollar this offseason. The Giants signed Lawrence to a four-year, $90M extension in the spring of 2023.
“The Giants do not seem too keen on paying Lawrence high-market price coming off his worst statistical season of his career,” Jones wrote, “but they aren’t going to give him away. If they can get a great offer for him — something that includes at least a first-round pick — I think they will deal him.”
Giants have this “fair price” in mind for Dexter Lawrence II?
Previously, Connor Hughes of SNY touched upon the Lawrence-Giants situation and referenced how the New York Jets traded disgruntled defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys this past fall for the Cowboys’ first-round pick in 2027, a second-round pick in 2026 and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. On Thursday, Jones suggested such a package “seems like a fair price for Lawrence” in the eyes of outsiders.
“What will be interesting is if the Giants take a 2026 second-rounder and demand a 2027 first,” Jones continued. “If that’s the case, and if the Giants do deal Lawrence, they wouldn’t have to do the transaction until [April 24]. If we get through [the night of April 24] with no deal, I would not expect one any time soon. Both sides can pick up where they left off on talks and try to find a middle ground as the spring continues.”
In short, it sounds like the Giants won’t be lowering their asking price for Lawrence even if such a tactic results in the club holding onto the 28-year-old through the end of this year’s draft.
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