Dexter Lawrence had a simple message Wednesday for Carl Banks.
“He’s delusional,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence, the Giants’ star defensive tackle, dropped that line in the wake of Banks — one of the finest defensive players in franchise history — blasting him this week on his podcast.
Banks also is a Giants employee, since he works as the analyst on their radio broadcast.
So it was jarring to hear Banks — a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Giants — say this after Sunday’s loss at the Eagles, which dropped the Giants to 2-6: “Dexter Lawrence, nobody respects you anymore. Nobody. Your opponents do not. The pre-injury Dexter is not there, in their heads. They don’t respect you.”
Banks was referring to Lawrence supposedly not getting as many double-team blocks as he faced before he dislocated his left elbow last season on Thanksgiving in Dallas — a season-ending injury.
Lawrence on Wednesday responded sharply to that “nobody respects you anymore” line — pointed criticism from a former star player.
“Yeah, those were strong words, but if that’s how he feels, f--- it,” Lawrence said.
He said he hasn’t spoken to Banks since the former linebacker — who played for the Giants from 1984-92 — made those remarks. Typically, Lawrence said, his interactions with Banks are brief.
“It’s a hey here and there,” Lawrence said.
He made it clear that he “for sure” disagrees with Banks’ opinion.
“I don’t really know what he’s watching, but he can say what he wants,” Lawrence said. “I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing, trying to help us get a win. That’s it.”
Lawrence said the comments do not motivate him.
“Let’s say this: I hope people start trying to disrespect me,” Lawrence said. “I hope they start not respecting me, because that’s not what’s showing on the field. They’re showing a lot of respect on the field.”
Do Banks’ words sting more, since they came from a franchise legend?
“No,” Lawrence said.
And why not?
“He’s delusional,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence insisted he is still getting plenty of double-team blocks — and that he is still performing at a high level.
“I get a lot of attention,” Lawrence said. “Check the numbers. I think I’m playing well.”
Lawrence has just a half a sack and four quarterback hits this year, compared to nine and 16 last year, 4.5 and 21 in 2023, and 7.5 and 28 in 2022, when he made his first of three straight Pro Bowls.
As for his play this year, Lawrence said, “I think I’m doing what I can when I get the opportunities. Numbers are not everything. I’ve been an advocate of that last year and the year before that and the year before that.
“I don’t think numbers indicate anything — for real. They’re just something that’s on your stat sheet. I think the way I play is disruptive. You ask people I play against, and they’ll tell you the same thing. Not people who are talking."
At least based on Lawrence’s Pro Football Focus’ grade, his performance has dipped in 2025.
He has a 76.5 overall grade, including 53.8 against the run and 83.1 in pass rush. Last season, he graded 89.9 overall, 83.8 against the run and 81.4 in pass rush. The Giants have struggled against the run yet again this season (30th in PFF’s team ratings).
Before the 2023 season, Lawrence signed a lucrative contract extension that will pay him $58.4 million through the end of 2025. The deal runs through 2027. The Giants have a semi-painful escape hatch after this season — $13.9 million in dead money, $13 million in salary cap savings.
So why does Lawrence think Banks ripped him?
“It could be a lot of reasons,” Lawrence said.
Still, Lawrence said, “That doesn’t faze me, man. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing to get ready to win. That’s it. I’m going to keep preparing every week, getting ready to win and going out there and not getting respect.”
His sarcasm was obvious.
He offered a shorter, non-sarcastic answer to questions about whether his elbow injury continues to hinder him on the field — and if it impacted his ability to properly prepare for the season this past summer.
“My elbow is not an issue,” he said.
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