The New York Giants and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence are at a contract standstill, and that has led to the worst-case scenario coming true for the Giants.
On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Lawrence requested a trade out of New York and doesn't plan on attending the team's voluntary offseason program that begins this week.
"ESPN sources: Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade and he will not be participating in the team’s off-season workout program that opens Tuesday," Schefter said on X.
Schefter also added that Lawrence and the Giants have been trying to negotiate a new deal for the last two offseasons, but nothing has come to fruition.
"Lawrence and the Giants have been through two off seasons attempting to negotiate a contract reflecting his value to the Giants over the last three years, but there has not been any progress, per sources," Schefter added.
Bears, Raiders, and Bengals could have interest in Lawrence
Though he is coming off a down year, where he didn't even register a full sack, Lawrence is still one of the best defensive tackles in the sport and a difference-maker on the interior.
The Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals have needs at defensive tackle, and could look to address the position by trading for Lawrence.
However, the Chicago Bears are in the best situation to contend out of the three teams listed above, and could be willing to give up premium draft capital for Lawrence.
With quarterback Caleb Williams still on his rookie deal, the Bears can also find the cap space to give Lawrence the extension he wants. However, it should be noted that Chicago already has two solid starters on the interior of their defensive line in Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Sr.
As for Las Vegas and Cincinnati, they need to beef up their defensive lines, and Lawrence would help solve that issue for both squads. The Raiders have a ton of cap space for the future and an arsenal of picks, so they're in a nice position to facilitate a trade with the Giants for Lawrence.
Historically, the Bengals have been hesitant to make blockbuster moves, and trading for a multiple-time Pro Bowler in Lawrence wouldn't be any different.
It remains to be seen whether New York even entertains trade calls on Lawrence despite his request. However, if the Giants do decide to deal their franchise defensive tackle, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Cincinnati could be possible trade partners.
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