The New York Giants have been working on building a roster that is capable of competing for a playoff spot in 2026 throughout the offseason. Moving on from Brian Daboll and hiring a former Super Bowl winner in John Harbaugh is a big part of that. So was Dexter Lawrence, whom Harbaugh called a "medium stone" rather than a franchise cornerstone.
Yet, in recent weeks, the Giants have apparently reached an impasse after Lawrence informed them he wanted a raise on his current four-year, $87.5 million deal, where he ranks as the 12th-highest-paid DT with an average of $21.8 million per season.
After Lawrence determined that the Giants would not back down from his salary increase request, the three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle demanded a trade. Now, there has been some movement on that front.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Giants have indeed reached a contract "impasse" with Lawrence and his agent.
"The Giants have worked with teams on a potential trade and that will continue," Rapoport wrote. "This should come out before the draft. By the time the draft arrives, the Giants should have a full understanding of the league-wide interest in Dexter Lawrence, allowing them to make an important decision regarding him and his future."
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Several teams have likely already expressed interest in trading for Lawrence. Now that the team has come to an understanding that they will not pay Lawrence's demands, the possibility of a trade has increased. Plus, with the 2026 NFL Draft only two weeks away, the Giants have a golden window to execute a trade and still have a chance to improve their team/fill the hole left by Lawrence.
Although many teams are in need of a better defensive tackle, there is no one who is viewed as a sure-fire first-round pick. Meanwhile, trading for Lawrence gives teams a chance to make sure they address their weakness with a proven superstar. Thus, competing teams that feel like they are just a stone's throw away may pay special attention to Lawrence's market.
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