“If his priority was a new destination, it would have made more sense to push for a trade before free agency when teams’ budgets were full and they had all their draft picks available to deal.”

The comment highlights how leverage shifts once free agency passes, with fewer teams able to absorb a major contract or part with premium draft capital. That reality could limit potential offers and force the Giants to either hold firm or accept less-than-ideal compensation.

Giants draft plans could shift amid Dexter Lawrence trade buzz

The timing also intersects with a pivotal draft for New York. The organization is widely expected to address multiple roster holes, and moving Lawrence would reshape priorities on both sides of the ball. With uncertainty already surrounding key positions, any deal involving their defensive anchor would likely influence how aggressive the Giants become in the early rounds.

The Giants have been linked to several high-impact prospects, including running back Jeremiyah Love, offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. Each player fills a different need, and the direction the Giants take may depend heavily on whether Lawrence remains on the roster. If he’s moved, reinforcing the defensive front becomes far more urgent.

Selecting Bain Jr. would represent the most direct response, giving New York a young pass-rusher to help offset the potential loss of interior dominance. On the other hand, targeting Mauigoa would signal a continued commitment to rebuilding the offensive line, while Love could add explosiveness to an offense searching for consistency. The flexibility of those options reflects just how open the Giants’ board currently appears.

Duggan’s point ultimately underscores the broader challenge. By requesting a trade now, Lawrence may have limited both his own market and the Giants’ negotiating leverage. With the draft approaching quickly, New York must decide whether to move forward with its original plans or adjust based on the possibility of a blockbuster deal. Either way, the situation has injected significant intrigue into what was already shaping up to be a defining draft for the franchise. It might all come down to salary.

“That’s not something we’ve gone into,” Gladstone told reporters , via the New York Post. “Obviously, he’s under contract with them, so not at liberty necessarily to even talk about it.”

A few days ago, the nose tackle requested a trade out of East Rutherford, even though Jim Harbaugh had shown interest in keeping him. What will ultimately be his destination this NFL season?

Current situation of Dexter Lawrence

The New York Giants and Dexter Lawrence have reached a breaking point following his recent trade request on April 6, 2026. Although he has two years remaining on the $90 million extension he signed in 2023, the market for elite interior defensive linemen has skyrocketed, with top salaries now exceeding $30 million annually.

Lawrence is currently seeking a contract adjustment to reflect his status as a premier player, as his current deal lacks guaranteed money for the final two seasons and ranks him outside the top 10 at his position. Despite his dip in statistical production last season, his high double-team rate remains vital to the defense, yet the Giants’ front office under GM Joe Schoen has shown little appetite for an immediate raise.

Several teams interested in Lawrence

While the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have surfaced as the primary contenders looking to anchor their defensive fronts with Lawrence’s power, other early suitors have already pivoted. Specifically, the Jacksonville Jaguars were initially linked to the star, recently pulling out of the race.

Despite this, the Giants’ front office remains under pressure, as league insiders suggest they could still be swayed by a too good offer from Bengals if Cincinnati decides to outbid the NFC North rivals with a superior package of draft capital.

The projection comes at a complicated moment for the franchise. The Giants are dealing with controversy after star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence reportedly requested a trade, creating uncertainty on one of the team’s strongest units and potentially shifting priorities heading into draft night.

Instead of targeting a flashy playmaker or defensive cornerstone, Schrager projects New York to focus on protecting Jaxson Dart. The move would prioritize stability on offense, particularly with concerns about the offensive line continuing to surface during the offseason.

Who will the New York Giants draft?

Schrager’s projection points toward an offensive line solution at No.5: Francis Mauigoa from Miami. That move means protection for Jaxson Dart rather than adding a skill-position star. It would also signal that the Giants are focusing on long-term offensive stability and that Dexter Lawrence could stay.

“New coach John Harbaugh referred to the offensive line as a ‘work in progress’ at the league meetings. That’s not what you want in front of a franchise quarterback who has shown a tendency to use his legs. But Jaxson Dart would love Mauigoa, a road paver with positional versatility. Mauigoa is expected to be the first offensive lineman off the board.”

The projection centers on Mauigoa as a surprising selection for New York, especially considering the ongoing rumors connecting the team to Jeremiyah Love or elite safety Caleb Downs. If the Giants follow that path, the focus would clearly be on building around Dart and improving protection immediately.

Such a decision could make sense given the current situation. With Dexter Lawrence’s future uncertain and the offensive line still viewed as a work in progress, New York may opt for stability in the trenches rather than chasing a splash pick in the first round.

“The timing of [Dexter] Lawrence’s request suggests he wants a raise more than a trade,” The Athletic’s Dan Duggan reported recently about the drama surrounding Lawrence and the Giants. That wouldn’t quite be the best-case scenario for New York, but it’s far from the worst, either.

New York has no interest in trading Lawrence, although the Giants could receive an offer too good to resist from teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals. Still, it seems Lawrence isn’t really asking to be traded. Perhaps the veteran nose tackle is only looking to draw attention to himself, improve his stock, and show New York that, if they aren’t careful, it could lose him.

Ideal scenario for NY Giants

The Giants were wise to hand Lawrence a four-year contract extension back in May 2023. In New York’s ideal world, Lawrence would have been happy to ride out the final two years of his contract in East Rutherford. That wasn’t the case, though. Thus, the Giants must face the music and make a decision.

They either hand Lawrence a better deal, or they trade him. Improving Lawrence’s contract may be frowned upon by fans, especially after Lawrence’s down year in 2025. However, if they trade him, the Giants risk the nose tackle finding his best football again somewhere else in the NFL. That’d be a very tough look for the G-Men.

There is another option: the in-between. That would imply staying put. Lawrence is under contract through the 2027 campaign, so New York isn’t legally obliged to move on from him. However, Lawrence can opt to hold out of mandatory team sessions—though it’d cost him several fines—and that would only lead to more drama in East Rutherford.

What will the NY Giants do?

If the Giants won’t restructure Lawrence’s contract, the safest bet is to trade him while his market is high and pray for the best, i.e., Lawrence not having a career year with his new team. Still, as the report suggests, it seems Lawrence prefers re-signing in New York rather than being traded, so he shouldn’t throw a wrench in the works if both sides sit down to negotiate.

Although the Giants want to keep Lawrence, Harbaugh has left the door open on potential Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux trades. That door that was left ajar may be flung wide open as Cincinnati could put together a trade package the Giants can’t resist.

According to New York Post reporter Adam Schein, the Bengals could offer their second and third-round selections (41st and 72nd overall) in the upcoming NFL Draft in exchange for Lawrence. “I would pay [Lawrence], but [the Giants] have to balance everything here. Including that Cincinnati [Bengals] package,” Schein commented.

Why such a trade package makes sense for Giants

Such a trade package from the Bengals would also be aligned with the Giants’ reported asking price for Lawrence. New York could be asking for a late first-rounder or a second-round selection. If the G-Men can get a second, as well as a third, it may be enough to convince them to pull the trigger on a Lawrence trade. As it stands, though, the Giants are far from sold on shipping their star nose tackle away.

Harbaugh stated he wants to keep Lawrence, and he believes Lawrence wants to stay in New York, as well. The 63-year-old knows his way around the NFL—this isn’t his first rodeo—and he knows how Lawrence may be using the trade request to gain leverage in contract negotiations. At the end of the day, words are like wind, and what Lawrence says in April can be easily forgotten come September if the two sides agree on a restructured deal..

Cincinnati’s perspective

If it comes down to it, then Cincinnati may have the best offer on the table for New York. Still, other reports also hint it may be the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears who have the advantage, because they have late first-round picks available to trade. Cincinnati, on the other hand, drafts 10th overall in the 2026 draft, and all signs indicate the Bengals aren’t sending that first-round selection anywhere.

The organization in the Queen City has enough areas to address that it can’t afford to miss out on such a high draft pick. Lawrence could provide the Bengals with the perfect player to aid their struggling defensive line, especially after Trey Hendrickson left for their rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. Lawrence would become an instant staple for Cincinnati’s defense and the best interior D-lineman in the Queen City since Geno Atkins.

Still, if the Bengals look to simply trade for Lawrence—keeping him under the same contract he has with the New York Giants—they could only be setting themselves up for a headache in the long run, with the nose tackle likely to demand a new deal in Cincy, just as he did in the Big Apple.

“I’m not surprised by it. We’ll try to work through it,” the head coach said about this situation via Ian Rapoport on X. He also revealed his intentions of Lawrence coming back to East Rutherford: “I think the prospects are high.”

The Bills and Bears could offer what the Giants are asking for the nose tackle. However, this story is just beginning, and the final outcome remains uncertain.

Alternatives to Lawrence

If John Harbaugh and the Giants decide to move on from Dexter Lawrence, the team faces a significant void at the center of their defensive line. With Lawrence skipping the 2026 offseason program, the primary internal alternatives are Sam Roberts, a recent addition from Atlanta, and Marlon Tuipulotu.

While both provide depth, neither possesses Lawrence’s elite pass-rushing production or league-leading pressure rate from the nose tackle position, likely forcing the Giants head coach to look toward the draft or further free-agent acquisitions to stabilize the interior.

More moves on the Giants?

As rosters continue to take shape for the upcoming season, in the Big Apple they’re not taking anything for granted. In fact, head coach John Harbaugh has left the door wide open for more trades.

Both Lawrence and Thibodeaux could be on the move in the short term. That said, the upcoming draft could be an excellent opportunity to find their replacements if their departures are finalized.

“Everybody is tradable. Everybody,” Harbaugh said, via SNY, when asked about trade candidates in New York. In addition to Lawrence requesting a trade, Thibodeaux is a name to watch, as his name has gained traction in the NFL’s rumor mill. Although the Giants and Harbaugh remain optimistic about Lawrence despite the public trade request, the Super Bowl-winning head coach didn’t sugarcoat the reality of the NFL.

For the right price, anyone can change teams, and as the NY Giants have reportedly established their asking price for Lawrence, signs could indicate the G-Men are seriously considering fulfilling his wish. Harbaugh didn’t mention Lawrence by name in his comment, but the star nose tackle is still with the Giants, and thus he enters the list when Harbaugh says “everybody.”

NY Giants’ defense vies to comeback

The 4-13 finish to the 2025 NFL season was far from encouraging for the Giants, but they did show many signs of improvement that can have fans hopeful for the future in The Big Apple. After being a high note in 2024, the defense struggled in 2025.

Aside from Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, not many players put up great numbers in New York—or rather, New Jersey. Still, Harbaugh is confident the team can bounce back from adversity. The Giants have enough talent on defense to do so, it’s all about finding their footing. However, if New York parts ways with both Lawrence and Thibodeaux, it’d make the climb much steeper.

If Giants trade both Lawrence and Thibodeaux, who are left?

Most likely, the Giants trade only one of Lawrence and Thibodeaux—if they even send one of them away. Still, in the event the Giants go ballistic and do the unthinkable, these players would be next up to fill the glaring voids. Burns and Carter would remain the top pass-rushing threats off the edge.

With Thibodeaux gone, Chauncey Golston and Caleb Murphy could be in line for expanded roles, too. Sam Roberts and Marlon Tuipulotu would compete for the vacant nose tackle job. To say they have big shoes to fill would be an understatement.

Lawrence is the best nose tackle in the league

As reported by Warren Sharp, Lawrence leads the NFL in pressures when aligned at NT since 2022. Lawrence has pressured quarterbacks 108 times since the 2022 campaign. The next closest pursuer is Vita Vea with 32. Indeed, Lawrence had a down year in 2025, but there’s nobody on his level when it comes to playing the nose tackle position as he does.

New York is well aware of that, and it isn’t afraid of publicly admitting that. Still, the NFL is a business, and you’d be surprised how many times pride outweighs analytics in critical decisions.

While not compelled to trade Lawrence, New York may find it best to move on from its star defensive lineman rather than drag out the drama and risk tension inside the locker room. If that’s the case, a report indicates the Giants have established their asking price for Lawrence to the rest of the NFL. As a result, the Bills and Bears may have a significant advantage over the Packers and Jaguars.

The Giants are reportedly asking for a late first-round or second-round 2026 selection in return for Lawrence. Chicago and Buffalo both have late first-round picks (25th and 26th overall picks, respectively) for the upcoming NFL Draft, whereas Green Bay and Jacksonville have both traded their first-rounders (20th and 24th overall, respectively).

The Packers and Jags could always make a trade to get back into the first round of the draft, but the odds of them making a move for a first-rounder only to send it to the Giants are slim. Thus, the Bills and Bears could be in pole position to make a trade for Lawrence happen. Both teams could really use a powerful nose tackle, and “Sexy Dexy” may be the best option out there, even as he comes off a down year in East Rutherford.

If it comes down to a second-round pick

In case the Giants settle for a second-round pick in a move involving Lawrence II, then the Bills could be in trouble. Buffalo traded its second-rounder (60th overall) to none other than Chicago, that has two picks in the second round (57th and 60th overall).

As for the Jaguars and Packers, they could tilt the scale in their favor thanks to their second-rounders. Still, it seems Jacksonville (56th) and Green Bay (52nd) would have to give up something more to come away with Lawrence. Especially if Chicago is in the mix, and is serious about bolstering its defense that recorded just 35 sacks last season—tied for fifth-least in the NFL.

Lawrence’s stats in 2025

Coming off a career year in 2024, Lawrence seemed to be missing a gear in the 2025 NFL season. He followed his career-high 9-sack campaign in 2024 with a measly 0.5 sacks the following year. Considering Lawrence missed five games in 2024 and didn’t miss a single outing in 2025, his low production definitely raised concerns in New York.

Now, he is looking for a fresh start elsewhere. Lawrence isn’t interested in seeing what John Harbaugh can make happen in the Big Apple. Whether the feeling is reciprocal or not remains to be seen. One thing is clear, though: the Giants won’t give Lawrence away. If New York trades him, it won’t be for peanuts.

The Dexter Lawrence’s contract is a heavy one despite the trade request. Meanwhile, bringing in veteran guard/center Lucas Patrick should be way cheaper, even if terms haven’t been disclosed.

Patrick was on a $2.1 million deal with the Bengals in 2025, and at 32 years old, he is not a spring chicken. However, he could be a valuable member of the Giants O-Line due to his versatility and experience.

Lucas Patrick is a good signing for the G-Men

Starting 65 games in his career, Patrick is regarded as a good lineman in the league. The nine-year veteran is a very consistent pass protector and often considered a good spot-starter.

New head coach John Harbaugh loves to run the football, and for that, he needs serviceable, versatile linemen, and Patrick fits that mold. The fact is that having a guy that can cover three of the five spots in the O-Line is a luxury not many teams have in the NFL. Now, the Giants do.

The Giants must protect their young stars

The offensive line must protect the Giants’ second-year stars. First, the quarterback, Jaxson Dart. Then, returning running back Cam Skattebo. Both proved to be great additions for the team, but in order for them to keep evolving, the O-Line must improve.

The Giants have a good unit. But now, Harbaugh has arrived and he wants to add even more depth and quality to the trenches. It remains to be seen if this is the last move they do on the offensive line, but Harbaugh’s methods are well known.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Lawrence requested a trade after two years of trying to negotiate a contract. With the arrival of John Harbaugh, thoughts were that Lawrence’s situation would be better, but no, he wants out.

Lawrence has two years left in his deal with the Giants, and is poised to make $20 million for the 2026 NFL season. For the 2027 season, Lawrence will have a $26.46 million salary. Hence, any team trading for him should be prepared to pay him.

Lawrence is a defensive force in the NFL

The Giants will certainly miss Lawrence if they grant the wish of the player. Lawrence is an All Pro talent. He is also just 28 years old, in the middle of his prime. However, he is coming off a career-low 0-5 sacks last season.

Having said that, Lawrence is a three-time Pro Bowler, that constantly requires double-teams in the interior. Lawrence has an elite run defense, a pass-rush from the inside and lots of durability. He is an absolute disruptor.

Dexter Lawrence’s possible destinations

Many analysts have speculated on Lawrence’s future even before the trade request was made public. Among the possible destinations, the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and the Jacksonville Jaguars top the list.

All of these are teams with high projections to at least make the NFL playoffs. The more intriguing ones are the Bengals, who have an incredible offense, but one of the worst defenses in the league, and Lawrence could definitely put them into new heights with his arrival.

Barkley has been in contract talks for a while now after playing under the fifth-year option in 2022. The team reportedly made him an offer during the season, although the star running back declined it looking for more money.

He is currently waiting to sign the franchise tag, so he isn’t forced to attend the offseason program. However, the Giants did make a huge move on Thursday extending Dexter Lawrence with an impressive contract.

Dexter Lawrence’s contract

New York had a decent performance on defense last season despite not having superstars on that side of the ball. Their top player was supposed to be Leonard Williams, but he was surpassed by a breakout year from the 2019 first-round pick.

Lawrence received a four-year deal worth 90 million dollars. The contract includes 60M guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. He was not going to participate in the voluntary activities being in a contract year, although the former Clemson Tiger was able to capitalize his 7.5-sack season.

Who is the highest paid DT?

With this mega deal he now ranks very high among defensive tackles. Lawrence is behind only Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams in terms of guarantees, per Spotrac. His second place is also shared with Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs. The new contract also puts him third in annual average value, right after Donald and Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans.

Top 10 highest paid DT by AAV

1- Aaron Donald – Los Angeles Rams – $31,666,667
2- Jeffery Simmons – Tennessee Titans – $23,500,000
T3- Dexter Lawrence – New York Giants – $22,500,000
T3- Daron Payne – Washington Commanders – $22,500,000
T5- DeForest Buckner – Indianapolis Colts – $21,000,000
T5- Javon Hargrave – San Francisco 49ers – $21,000,000
7- Chris Jones – Kansas City Chiefs – $20,000,000
8- Jonathan Allen – Washington Commanders – $18,000,000
9- Vita Vea – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $17,750,000
10- Kenny Clark – Green Bay Packers – $17,500,000