Giants Aim to Keep Star DT Dexter Lawrence Despite Contract Standoff

Negotiations continue as both sides seek a resolution, but a trade remains a possibility.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:36pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the explosive movements and collisions of a defensive lineman, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of dark navy, forest green, and burnt orange, representing the complex contract negotiations between the player and his team.A cubist interpretation of a star defensive tackle's contract negotiations, with his powerful movements and the team's competing interests fractured into an abstract geometric composition.Philadelphia Today

Despite reports that star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence wants to be traded, the New York Giants are 'doing everything we can' to keep him, according to head coach John Harbaugh. The two sides are still in negotiations, but Lawrence is dug in on his contract demands, which are said to be significantly higher than his current $19.5 million per year deal. The Giants are willing to give Lawrence a substantial financial upgrade, but the two sides may not be able to reach an agreement. If a deal cannot be made, the Giants would be open to trading Lawrence, but their asking price of a top-10 draft pick plus additional assets may be unrealistic given the lack of interest from other teams so far.

Why it matters

This standoff between the Giants and their star defensive tackle highlights the challenges teams face in retaining top talent, especially when players feel underpaid compared to their peers. The outcome could set a precedent for how the Giants handle contract disputes going forward and impact their salary cap flexibility. It also poses a potential distraction for new head coach John Harbaugh as he looks to establish his program.

The details

Lawrence, who turns 29 in November, is seeking a new contract that would pay him much more than the $19.5 million he is scheduled to make in each of the final two years of his current deal. The Giants are willing to add guaranteed money into an extension, but Lawrence's asking price may be too high. Comparable deals for players like Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, and Chris Jones average $26-32 million per year, suggesting a potential compromise range of $27-30 million for Lawrence. However, the two sides have not been able to reach an agreement so far.

  • Lawrence is scheduled to make $19.5 million in each of the final two years of his current contract.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A star defensive tackle for the New York Giants who is seeking a new contract with significantly higher pay than his current deal.

John Harbaugh

The head coach of the New York Giants who is trying to facilitate a resolution between the team and Lawrence.

Joe Schoen

The general manager of the New York Giants who is leading the contract negotiations with Lawrence.

Joel Segal

The agent for Dexter Lawrence who is representing him in the contract negotiations with the Giants.

Leonard Williams

A former teammate of Lawrence's who was traded by the Giants, which reportedly damaged the relationship between Lawrence and the team's front office.

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What they’re saying

“We are working together to get the best outcome for the Giants team. We also respect Dexter fully as a person and player and want him to be happy. We are doing everything we can, as best we can, as responsibly as we can.”

— John Harbaugh, Head Coach, New York Giants

“The team is willing to give him a significant financial upgrade. However, Lawrence is dug in on what he wants, and the two sides might not be able to get the negotiations over the finish line.”

— Ed Valentine, Author

What’s next

The Giants and Lawrence's agent, Joel Segal, are still in negotiations, but a resolution before the start of training camp in July is uncertain. If no deal can be reached, the Giants would be open to trading Lawrence, but their high asking price of a top-10 draft pick plus additional assets may be unrealistic given the lack of interest from other teams so far.

The takeaway

This contract standoff between the Giants and their star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence highlights the challenges teams face in retaining top talent, especially when players feel they are underpaid compared to their peers. The outcome could set a precedent for how the Giants handle similar disputes going forward and impact their salary cap flexibility, while also posing a potential distraction for new head coach John Harbaugh as he looks to establish his program.