New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence appeared to lose a step in his game during the 2025 NFL season. He only recorded 31 tackles, 0.5 sacks, one interception, and four pass deflections. At 28 years old, does this mean that Lawrence is going to decline or was 2025 just a bad year for him?
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New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) cheers on New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during a week 9 game between New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
Well, it will be interesting to see what he can do with a new coaching staff this season. Lawrence has been dominant once before. He has two years remaining on his contract with the Giants. There have been some talks about potentially trading some defensive players during the offseason.
PFF Thinks That the New York Giants Could Trade DT Dexter Lawrence In the Offseason
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Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) takes the filed against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
John Kosko of profootballfocus.com wrote about one potential trade candidate for each NFL team this offseason. He thinks that the Giants could trade Lawrence this offseason. Kosko said,
“The Giants are firmly in rebuild mode, and their lone elite interior force stands out as a potential trade candidate. Lawrence earned a 78.4 PFF overall grade in 2025, including an 84.5 PFF pass-rush grade, continuing to impact games as both a run defender and interior disruptor.
While his run-defense performance dipped slightly from previous seasons, he has consistently been one of the league’s most dominant run defenders since entering the NFL. His strength and ability to collapse the pocket elevate any front seven, and his positional value makes him a rare asset. Trading Lawrence could bring back a strong return and provide the Giants with the capital needed to rebuild both lines.”
Lawrence being traded by the Giants would not sit well with the fanbase. They don’t have depth at defensive tackle without him. If New York were to trade anyone this offseason on defense, it would be Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux has one-year remaining on his contract. They would maybe want to trade him so Abdul Carter could see the field more next season.
This Lawrence trade talks should be revisited next year if New York misses the playoffs again and if he doesn’t have another good season. However, it would feel more likely for the Giants to give him a contract extension rather than trading him elsewhere.
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