The New York Giants are preparing to do what is best for the team as the 2026 NFL season approaches. General manager Joe Schoen is still in the front office, but head coach John Harbaugh will be having a lot of say in personnel as well. One key player on the roster is defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. He has been with the team since the 2019 season.
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Oct 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Twitter shocking news about the star defensive tackle and said, “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. 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.” If Lawrence can’t get a new contract, he will probably be traded out of New York.
New York Giants Fans Stunned About Dexter Lawrence Requesting a Trade
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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
There are a lot of Giants fans who are stunned about Lawrence requesting a trade from the team altogether. This is what some New York fans had to say about it on Twitter:
EXCUSE ME??????
— Carly (@carlymersky) April 6, 2026
LFG BRING ME A 1 AND A 3 BABY LFGGG
— NYC Sports Addict (@NYCSportsAddict) April 6, 2026
Honestly, you can’t even blame him at this point. He’s been balling out for years, and if the deal still isn’t reflecting that, frustration is expected
But for the Giants, this is a tough one. Losing a player like Dexter Lawrence would hurt more than they probably realize.…
— Raheem (@PappyCounts) April 6, 2026
Giants let this drag out two offseasons and now their best defensive player is sitting out workouts. Brutal.
Contenders are about to line up. Wonder who has the picks to actually get it done.
— CallmeMBJ (@callmembj11) April 6, 2026
Hate to say it as a Giants fan but may be best for both parties
Dexter Lawrence hasn’t been the same player since his elbow injury & just look disinterested all last season
Hate the thought of losing Sexy Dexy but if we can get good value for him, I don’t mind it 🤷🏽♂️#NYGiants
— Sebastian Fearon DPT, CSCS, OCS (@TheDegenDoc) April 6, 2026
During the 2025 NFL season with the Giants, he recorded 31 tackles, 0.5 sacks, one interception, and four pass deflections. If Lawrence does not finish his contract with New York, then other teams will potentially trade for him. The Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens are two teams that should go after him. The Detroit Lions are another team that could use help on the defensive line. Maybe last year was a sign that Lawrence is declining, but maybe the Giants need to pay up to keep him in town here. He has two years remaining on his current contract.
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