Reports: Giants' Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade
Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence walks off the field after a game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 16, 2025. Credit: Ed Murray
Giants’ All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade and won’t be at the team’s offseason program starting Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
Lawrence has two years remaining on his $87 million contract that he signed in 2023. He’s set to make at least $20 million this upcoming season but is coming off a year where he had a career-low 0.5 sacks.
Lawrence was the NFL’s third-highest paid defensive tackle based on the average annual value of his deal when he signed. Now, Lawrence’s average salary ranks 11th at his position.
Since he was drafted in 2019, Lawrence has been one of the Giants’ best players. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Lawrence made the All-Pro second team twice and had a career-high nine sacks in 2024 before suffering a dislocated elbow that ended his season after 12 games.
Lawrence played every game last season but struggled to have the same impact he had in previous seasons. He had just nine quarterback hits and four tackles for loss, his second fewest in a season.
However, he consistently commands double-teams and frees up opportunities for other edge rushers. Linebacker Brian Burns credited the attention Lawrence gets as a factor in him having a career 16 1/2 sacks last season.
The news presents the first major challenge for new coach John Harbaugh. As players check in Tuesday, Harbaugh won’t have one of last season’s captains, and the front office has to navigate a trade demand.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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