Dexter Lawrence
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Dexter Lawrence requested a trade this week, but the Giants may not ultimately deal the Pro Bowl DT.
Fans of the New York Giants may have been caught off guard about Dexter Lawrence’s trade request earlier this week. But NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported New York can still repair the relationship for the defensive tackle before the 2026 season.
La Canfora reported how the Giants are handling the Lawrence situation and how the league is reacting to the superstar defensive lineman’s trade request for Sports Boom.
Lawrence is one of the best players at his position in the NFL, and his trade requests are threatening to stunt some of the Giants’ offseason momentum. The three-time Pro Bowler had 31 tackles, a half-sack, an interception and a career-high four passes defended in 17 games for the Giants in 2025.
Insider: Giants are Unlikely to Trade Dexter Lawrence
The Giants’ loading up their defensive line did not have the desired effect in 2025. That has left Kayvon Thibodeaux squarely on the trade block, since general manager Joe Schoen is tasked with reloading the roster for new coach John Harbaugh.
Thibodeaux has not expressly demanded a trade, but is reportedly open to a change of scenery and is likely to be moved. Lawrence, on the other hand, is unlikely to be traded.
“I don’t think Joe Schoen will trade him,” an NFL general manager told La Canfora.
Harbaugh is also in the Team Lawrence camp, since the new Giants coach saw first hand what life without a dominant run stuffer is like when Baltimore Ravens DT Nnamdi Madubuike sustained a neck injury in Week 2.
“I don’t think Harbaugh wants to trade him,” an executive told La Canfora. “Look what happened to his defense last year when Madubuike went down.
“He wants to build a bully up front.”
Of course, a team could blow Schoen away with an offer like what the Dallas Cowboys sent to the New York Jets for Quinnen Williams last trade deadline. The Jets acquired a first-round pick, a second-round pick and Mazi Smith, and the Giants would be poised to act if such an offer was made.
Yet, those around the league doubt New York will fetch a similar haul.
“I don’t think they can get a one (first-round pick) for him. Not when he’s pushing 30 and not when you are going to have to pay him, too.”
Contract Issues Led to Dexter Lawrence’s Trade Request
Lawrence is set to enter the penultimate year of his four-year, $90 million contract with the Giants. Lawrence was ranked the top interior defensive lineman by NFL execs last year yet is tied for 10th-highest AAV among defensive tackles.
“Lawrence’s issue is with his contract, which has fallen off pace with how top defensive tackles are compensated,” La Canfora wrote.
Still, Lawrence is more valuable to the Giants, since his deal runs through his age-30 season, which is why his trade value is less than expected. That makes a trade even less likely.
“The Giants have significant leverage here and with Harbaugh, who had to deal with several thorny contract situations during his lengthy run in Baltimore, just getting started,” La Canfora wrote.