Giants GM Joe Schoen outlines 'good conversations' with Dexter Lawrence amid trade request

Schoen says he's focused on productive talks with the Pro Bowl defensive tackle, who is under contract for two more years.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:24pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football defensive line, with the player shapes broken into sharp, overlapping planes of blue, green, and gold, conveying the complex negotiations around the future of Giants star Dexter Lawrence.A cubist interpretation of the Giants' defensive line, with Dexter Lawrence as the focal point, reflects the team's complex negotiations around his future.NYC Today

As the New York Giants prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, they are dealing with the potential departure of star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who has requested a trade. Giants GM Joe Schoen says he is having 'productive conversations' with Lawrence and is not putting a deadline on a decision, though he acknowledged he would listen to trade offers from other teams if they call.

Why it matters

Lawrence is a key part of the Giants' defense, making the Pro Bowl in 2025. His potential departure would be a major blow to the team's plans heading into the draft and the upcoming season. The Giants will need to carefully weigh their options to determine if they can keep Lawrence long-term or if trading him is the best path forward.

The details

Schoen told reporters that Lawrence is under contract for two more years, so the team is not feeling rushed to make a decision. He said he is focused on having 'productive conversations' with Lawrence about his future. When asked if he would answer the phone if another team called about trading for Lawrence, Schoen said yes, as he would with any player on the roster, though he noted it would be evaluated on a 'case-by-case basis' based on the compensation offered.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching.

The players

Joe Schoen

The general manager of the New York Giants.

Dexter Lawrence

A Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the New York Giants who has requested a trade.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not gonna get into it on if there's a deadline or not. He's under contract for two more years. So we're not gonna put any deadlines on anything. Again, right now, productive conversations, and we'll see where it goes.”

— Joe Schoen, Giants General Manager

“Yeah, I'm always gonna pick up the phone. So if team calls, maybe not to the effect that coach said last year or last week that everybody is tradable. But no, that is my job as a general manager. If teams call, you take into account, it's case-by-case basis and what the compensation may be. And that's my job to take into consideration what that looks like, what the compensation looks like, who the player is, how that affects the roster. And then try to make the best decision off of that.”

— Joe Schoen, Giants General Manager

What’s next

The Giants will continue their conversations with Dexter Lawrence to determine if they can keep him long-term or if trading him is the best option. The 2026 NFL Draft will be a key factor in their decision-making process.

The takeaway

The Giants are facing a difficult decision with Dexter Lawrence, one of their defensive cornerstones. While they are having productive talks, Schoen has acknowledged he would listen to trade offers, putting Lawrence's future in East Rutherford in doubt. The team's ability to find the right balance between keeping Lawrence and maximizing his trade value will be crucial as they build their roster for the 2026 season and beyond.