Despite Interest, Giants Unlikely to Trade Dexter Lawrence

The Situation Around Dexter Lawrence’s Trade Request

Despite Dexter Lawrence’s trade request, most NFL teams are not expecting him to leave New York. This is according to reports from SNY’s Connor Hughes. However, this isn’t due to a lack of interest from other clubs. Several teams inquired about the star defensive tackle at the 2025 trade deadline, as reported by Dianna Russini of The Athletic. There is an expectation that interest will only grow.

The Giants have been resistant to these overtures and are likely to set a high price for any potential trades. This could be prohibitively expensive for other teams. Assessments around the league vary, with some drawing comparisons to Quinnen Williams. The Jets sent Williams to Dallas last October for a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and Mazi Smith. Some believe that Lawrence is a better player and potentially worth even more, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post.

Key Differences Between Lawrence and Williams

The key difference between Lawrence and Williams is that Williams was not seeking a new contract. In contrast, Lawrence would need a new deal with a $35MM per year price tag floated by Hughes. That, along with a down year in 2025, could drop his trade value closer to the following proposals Hughes has heard from other teams: a late 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, or second- and fifth-round picks.

If those are the best offers the Giants can get, it is unlikely they end up moving Lawrence. New head coach John Harbaugh prioritized strong defensive line play in Baltimore, and his current roster is awfully thin at the position. Sure, the draft picks acquired and cap space freed up via a Lawrence trade could help the Giants find replacements, but Harbaugh intends to turn the team around right away. Moving Lawrence would run contrary to that goal.

Potential for a Forced Exit

Lawrence can still try to force his way out of New York. The 28-year-old has grown frustrated with the Giants’ repeated losing seasons, per Dunleavy, as well as a hard-line roster approach that resulted in teammates and friends like Leonard Williams, Julian Love, and Saquon Barkley not only leaving New York, but finding success and Super Bowls elsewhere.

A willingness to accept an annual salary between $26MM and $30MM could help facilitate an exit. That more reasonable sum – as opposed to a market-resetting $35MM AAV – would still make him the second-highest paid DT in the league, but as a price point that could encourage teams to move a first-round-plus package.