New York Giants Defensive Tackle Dexter Lawrence Requests Trade Amid Contract Negotiations

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade from the team. The 28-year-old player, drafted 17th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Clemson, informed the organization of his decision on Monday. Lawrence will not participate in the team's offseason workout program, which begins April 7.

Lawrence signed a four-year contract extension worth $87.5 million in 2023, with $60 million guaranteed. The deal runs through the 2027 season, leaving two years remaining after 2025. Under the current terms, Lawrence is set to earn $18.5 million in 2026 and $15.5 million in 2027 if no new agreement is reached.

Contract negotiations between Lawrence and the Giants have not progressed over the past two offseasons. Discussions remained stagnant even following the hiring of John Harbaugh as head coach. Lawrence has sought a new deal reflecting his value to the team.

Lawrence has appeared in 109 career games with the Giants, accumulating 30.5 sacks, 15 pass breakups, and 341 tackles. He earned three Pro Bowl selections from 2022 to 2024 and was named an All-Pro by ESPN sources. The Giants selected him in the first round of the 2019 draft, where he has served as a key anchor on the defensive line through multiple losing seasons.

In the 2025 season, Lawrence played all 17 games for the first time in his career but recorded a career-low 0.5 sacks due to an elbow injury sustained late in 2024. He also had 31 tackles and one interception. His most productive year was 2024, with nine sacks.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen addressed Lawrence's performance, noting the injury's impact.

“Nine sacks might been an outlier the year before, so the expectation rises. That's rare for a nose tackle. That's insane for a nose tackle to get nine sacks.”

Schoen added that Lawrence has good years ahead and that the team's defensive issues last season were not solely his responsibility.

The Giants have reached the playoffs only once since Lawrence entered the league in 2019. The team finished the 2025 season with a record that extended their playoff drought, though specific win-loss details were not provided in reports. Harbaugh's arrival as head coach has not advanced contract talks.

It remains unclear which teams might pursue Lawrence in a trade. With the NFL Draft approaching in late April, the Giants would likely seek at least two draft picks in exchange. Lawrence weighs 340 pounds and stands as one of the league's premier defensive linemen when healthy.

The trade request occurs as the Giants prepare for the offseason under new leadership. Lawrence's departure could affect the team's defensive strategy, particularly along the interior line.