Jaguars GM Addresses Potential Trade for Giants' Dexter Lawrence

Jacksonville GM James Gladstone responds to questions about interest in the veteran defensive tackle.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:34pm

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with players and the field reduced to abstract shapes and planes of color, capturing the multi-faceted nature of contract negotiations in the NFL.A cubist interpretation of the contract dispute between the Giants' Dexter Lawrence and his team, highlighting the complex business realities of professional sports.NYC Today

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone was asked about the team's potential interest in trading for New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who recently requested a trade. Gladstone stated that it's not something the Jaguars have explored, as Lawrence is still under contract with the Giants.

Why it matters

Lawrence is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Second-Team All-Pro, making him a highly valuable defensive player. His trade request stems from frustration with his contract and the Giants' lack of success. A potential trade could have significant implications for both the Jaguars and Giants as they look to improve their rosters for the upcoming season.

The details

The Giants do not currently have any interest in trading Lawrence, who has two years left on his $90 million contract extension signed in 2023. New Giants head coach John Harbaugh said the team wants Lawrence to remain with the team, but acknowledged that 'business' is involved in these situations. The Jaguars, coming off a 13-4 season and a wild-card round playoff appearance, are looking to continue improving their roster, but Gladstone indicated they have not pursued a trade for Lawrence.

  • On April 9, 2026, Jaguars GM James Gladstone was asked about potential interest in trading for Giants DT Dexter Lawrence.
  • Earlier this week, Lawrence requested a trade from the Giants.

The players

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who was asked about the team's potential interest in trading for Dexter Lawrence.

Dexter Lawrence

A three-time Pro Bowl and two-time Second-Team All-Pro defensive tackle for the New York Giants, who recently requested a trade from the team.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants, who addressed Lawrence's trade request and stated the team wants him to remain with the team.

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What they’re saying

“That's not something we've gone into. Obviously he's under contract with them, so not at liberty necessarily to even talk about it.”

— James Gladstone, Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager

“The Giants, speaking for the Giants, we want Dexter here. I believe Dexter wants to be here. That's a good formula. But there's business involved. It's a business proposition. We know it's pro football. These things happen every year pretty much on every team. Not surprised by it. Saw it coming a few weeks back probably.”

— John Harbaugh, New York Giants Head Coach

What’s next

The Giants will need to determine if they can resolve the contract and roster issues that led to Lawrence's trade request, or if they will ultimately decide to trade the veteran defensive tackle.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the complex nature of player contracts and roster management in the NFL, as teams must balance the desire to retain talented players with the business realities of the league. The Jaguars' lack of interest in pursuing a trade for Lawrence suggests they are focused on building their roster through other means, while the Giants will need to carefully navigate Lawrence's trade request to ensure they make the best decision for the team's long-term success.