Giants DT Dexter Lawrence requests trade, skips OTAs

The 5-year veteran is unhappy with his contract situation in New York.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:47pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a defensive tackle in motion, with their body fractured into overlapping planes of color and shape.Dexter Lawrence's trade request highlights the ongoing contract disputes between NFL players and teams.NYC Today

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has reportedly requested a trade from the team and is not participating in the team's voluntary offseason training activities (OTAs). The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is seeking a new long-term deal from the Giants.

Why it matters

Lawrence is a key part of the Giants' defensive line and his potential departure would be a significant blow to the team's hopes of improving on their 6-10 record from last season. His trade request highlights the ongoing challenges NFL teams face in retaining top talent, especially when players are nearing the end of their rookie contracts.

The details

According to sources, Lawrence has grown frustrated with the Giants' unwillingness to negotiate a contract extension and has informed the team he will not participate in OTAs until his situation is resolved. The 2019 first-round pick is set to make $4.3 million in the final year of his rookie deal, a figure he believes is well below his market value.

  • Lawrence was selected 17th overall by the Giants in the 2019 NFL Draft.
  • He is entering the final year of his 4-year rookie contract.
  • The Giants' voluntary OTAs began on April 3, 2026.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A 25-year-old defensive tackle who was a first-round pick of the New York Giants in 2019.

New York Giants

The NFL franchise based in East Rutherford, New Jersey that plays in the NFC East division.

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What they’re saying

“Dexter is a key part of our defense and we want him to be here, but we understand this is a business and players have to make decisions they feel are best for them.”

— Joe Schoen, Giants General Manager

What’s next

The Giants will need to decide whether to trade Lawrence, sign him to a contract extension, or let him play out the final year of his rookie deal.

The takeaway

This situation underscores the challenges NFL teams face in retaining top talent, especially when players are nearing the end of their rookie contracts and seeking new long-term deals that reflect their market value.