Giants Aim to Resolve Dexter Lawrence Trade Request

GM Joe Schoen says talks with Lawrence's agent have been 'productive' as team tries to find solution.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a defensive lineman making a tackle, with the player's form broken down into sharp, angular planes of color that create a sense of motion and energy.The Giants' efforts to resolve Dexter Lawrence's trade request expose the intricate geometries of modern NFL contract negotiations.NYC Today

The New York Giants have had 'productive' conversations with standout defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence's agent as they try to find a resolution following his recent trade request. General manager Joe Schoen said the team would like Lawrence to be present for the start of the offseason program under new head coach John Harbaugh, and they are working to come to a resolution on the situation.

Why it matters

Lawrence is a key part of the Giants' defense, and his potential departure would leave a significant hole in the team's roster. The Giants are already thin at the defensive tackle position, so finding a way to keep Lawrence on the team is a top priority for the organization.

The details

Lawrence's current contract has him set to make $20 million this season, which ranks 10th among interior defensive linemen. He is coming off a subpar individual season in 2025 with just 31 tackles and 0.5 sacks. Schoen said the team is willing to listen to trade offers for Lawrence, but their intention is to not trade him if possible.

  • Lawrence has not been present for the start of the Giants' first offseason workout program under new head coach John Harbaugh.
  • Schoen said the team has had 'productive' conversations with Lawrence's agent over the last 5-6 days.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A standout defensive lineman for the New York Giants who has requested a trade from the team.

Joe Schoen

The general manager of the New York Giants who has been leading the team's efforts to resolve the Dexter Lawrence situation.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants who has called Lawrence a 'middle stone' of the team's defense.

Dawn Aponte

The senior vice president of football operations and strategy for the New York Giants who has been involved in the conversations with Lawrence's representatives.

Brian Burns

A fellow Giants captain who has expressed a desire for Lawrence to remain with the team, saying 'I don't want to see somebody else in that 97 besides Dex.'

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What they’re saying

“We'd like for Dexter to be here, and at some point we'll come to a resolution here, whatever that may be.”

— Joe Schoen, Giants General Manager

“Business is business. I've been through it... How I feel technically is that we just need him in the building, regardless of whatever it is. Figure it out. Get it done. I don't want to see somebody else in that 97 besides Dex.”

— Brian Burns, Giants Captain

What’s next

The Giants will continue their pre-draft process as they work to resolve the Dexter Lawrence situation, with the team's intention being to keep him on the roster if possible.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the complexities of managing star players' contracts and trade requests, especially for a team like the Giants that is trying to rebuild its roster. Finding a resolution that keeps Lawrence in New York will be crucial for the team's defensive plans going forward.