Former Clemson Star Dexter Lawrence Requests Trade From Giants

All-Pro defensive tackle seeks new contract amid standoff with New York

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the powerful movements and physicality of a defensive tackle, with overlapping planes of blue and red representing the New York Giants' uniform colors.Dexter Lawrence's trade request casts uncertainty over the Giants' defensive line as contract negotiations stall.NYC Today

New York Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, a former Clemson star, has requested a trade amid a long-running contract standoff with the team. Lawrence, who has two years left on his current deal and is scheduled to make $20 million in 2026, has not participated in the Giants' offseason workout program as negotiations have stalled.

Why it matters

Lawrence has been a cornerstone of the Giants' defense, making three straight Pro Bowls from 2022-2024 and earning All-Pro honors in 2022 and 2023. His trade request highlights the challenges teams face in retaining top talent, especially when contract negotiations reach an impasse.

The details

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Lawrence and the Giants have been unable to reach an agreement on a new contract that would reflect his value to the team over the past three seasons. With no progress in the negotiations, the 6-foot-4, 340-pound defensive tackle will not be participating in the Giants' offseason program that begins on Tuesday.

  • Lawrence was selected by the Giants in the first round (17th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.
  • He made the Pro Bowl from 2022-2024 and was named an All-Pro in 2022 and 2023.
  • Lawrence is entering the eighth season of his NFL career in 2026.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A former first-round pick of the New York Giants in 2019, Lawrence has established himself as a dominant presence on the interior of the Giants' defensive line, making three straight Pro Bowls from 2022-2024 and earning All-Pro honors in 2022 and 2023.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants, who has praised Lawrence's importance to the team and expressed a desire for him to remain with the organization.

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What they’re saying

“'How important is he? Really important. He's super, super important. He's a cornerstone football player. Not really a cornerstone. He's more like the middle stone. He's right in the middle. He's a very big stone, you know, and he's a very active, athletic stone.'”

— John Harbaugh, New York Giants Head Coach

“'Lawrence and the Giants have been through two off seasons attempting to negotiate a contract reflecting his value to the Giants over the last three years, but there has not been any progress, per sources.'”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Giants and Lawrence will need to continue negotiating a new contract that satisfies both parties. If an agreement cannot be reached, the team may have to consider trading the star defensive tackle.

The takeaway

Dexter Lawrence's trade request highlights the challenges NFL teams face in retaining top talent, especially when contract negotiations reach an impasse. The Giants will need to find a way to keep their defensive anchor happy and in New York, or risk losing a cornerstone player.