New NFL Trade, Contract Rumors on Dexter Lawrence II and How Giants View Star DT

The New York Giants aren't jumping at the chance to acquiesce to the trade request from star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II.

ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported Tuesday a late first-round pick or early second-rounder is generally considered to be Lawrence's value in a swap, which probably wouldn't be enough to get the Giants to budge.

"They've made moves this offseason based on the assumption that Lawrence would be a key piece to their defense," Raanan wrote. "They were planning on him making a significant impact."

The insider added that "defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson was especially bullish on keeping Lawrence this offseason, even though the team received calls about potential trades."

According to SNY's Connor Hughes, Lawrence is expected to demand $30 million per year for a new contract. Hughes also reported that a second source thinks the number might be closer to $35 million per year, given the bump in the salary cap.

Addressing the situation on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Peter Schrager said that "it's been a very contentious last two years" with New York and one of its best players. Still, having Lawrence signed through the 2027 season allows the team to basically call his bluff:

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that Lawrence wants out and doesn't intend to participate in the offseason workouts that get underway Tuesday.

His contract is one of the main issues.

Lawrence's average salary ($21.9 million) ranks 12th among interior defensive linemen. Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones is leading the way with a payout that's nearly $10 million higher. Jordan Davis also recently signed an extension with the Philadelphia Eagles that's worth $26 million annually.

Lawrence is coming off a down year in 2025. He had just 0.5 sacks after posting a career-high nine in 2024, and he registered his fewest tackles for loss (four) since his rookie year.

Still, the three-time Pro Bowler can argue he's underpaid relative to what others around the league are earning.

Lawrence's patience with New York might be wearing thin after three straight seasons of missing the playoffs, too. The organization made a big splash by hiring coach John Harbaugh, but the Giants haven't earned the benefit of the doubt when they attempt to sell any sort of new long-term vision.

Raanan cited how former stars Leonard Williams and Saquon Barkley won Super Bowls on new teams, surely leaving Lawrence to ponder what he might achieve outside of the Big Apple.

Alas, the Giants hold a lot of the cards. As unhappy as the 28-year-old might be, he stands to earn an $18.5 million base salary in 2026. What are the odds he jeopardizes his game checks with a holdout stretching into Week 1?

Perhaps an interested suitor tables an offer that's too good for New York to turn down. Absent that, Williams is probably going to be on the field when the team kicks off the new year.