Dexter Lawrence seems to be done waiting. The Giants All-Pro defensive tackle has formally requested a trade and will skip Tuesday's offseason workout opener.
This is where two offseasons of failed contract negotiations got them.
The DT market exploded, and now Lawrence wants his money
He signed a four-year, $90 million extension in May 2023. His $22.5 million average annual value ranked third among defensive tackles back then.
Today, that same number sits tied for 11th at the position, per Over The Cap. The market ran past him quickly.
Chris Jones reset the benchmark at $31.75 million annually. Christian Wilkins followed at $27.5 million. Nnamdi Madubuike got $24.5 million. So, his deal looks nothing like elite money now.
Two years remain on his contract with no guaranteed money left. His 2026 cap hit stands at $26.96 million against a base salary of $18.5 million.
By skipping workouts, he forfeits a $500,000 bonus. He is willing to let that go to make his point.
The Giants have little interest in trading him, multiple sources who met with the team believe Lawrence is untouchable "barring an insane return value."
New head coach John Harbaugh has already built defensive schemes around Lawrence alongside edge rushers Abdul Carter and Brian Burns.
Missing workouts is a deliberate move that forces this conversation into the open.
The Giants hold the No. 5 pick in the upcoming draft and face a thin defensive tackle class if this falls apart. Neither side has room to be wrong.
Lawrence wants to be paid like the player he is. New York is counting on him to honor what he signed.
Something has to give before training camp.