Although Joe Schoen revealed that the conversations between Dexter Lawrence and the New York Giants remain in good terms, it’s been reported that the situation has reached an important impasse. At this point, John Harbaugh does not know whether he will be able to count on his star defensive player or not.
“The Giants have engaged with teams on a potential trade and that will continue. It should come to a head before the Draft,” NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed on X. The situation of the nose tackle in the Big Apple still remains a question mark.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Orlando Brown, for instance, is pushing to team up with Lawrence. What will ultimately be his destination in the upcoming NFL season?
What Lawrence is asking for in NY
Dexter Lawrence is currently seeking a significant pay adjustment from the Giants, despite being under contract through 2027 and slated to earn $20 million in 2026. A major catalyst for this demand was the lucrative new deal signed by Jordan Davis with the Eagles, which set a new market benchmark with a $26 million annual average.
Dexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants.
As Lawrence pushes for a salary that reflects this updated landscape for elite defensive tackles, his future in New York remains uncertain; any potential suitor looking to trade for him would likely need to finalize a new extension immediately to avoid inheriting the same contractual standoff the Giants are currently facing.
The highest-paid players at Lawrence’s position
As of the 2026 offseason, the market for elite interior defenders has shifted dramatically, pushing Chris Jones from the Kansas City Chiefs to the top with a staggering $31.75 million APY. He is followed by the rising star Jordan Davis and the newly extended Milton Williams (New England Patriots), both commanding $26 million annually.
Rounding out the top five are Zach Allen (Broncos) at $25.5 million and Nnamdi Madubuike (Ravens) at $24.5 million, leaving Dexter Lawrence’s current $22.5 million average outside the elite pay bracket and fueling his recent trade request.
