Dexter Lawrence requests trade from Giants amidst contract standoff

Jason Sargent Monday, April 6, 2026

Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY Mon, April 6, 2026 at 5:33 PM UTC

Dexter Lawrence does not plan to be with the New York Giants for the John Harabugh era.

Or, at least not under his current contract.

Lawrence requested a trade Monday, according to multiple reports (ESPN first reported the news).

A person with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed Lawrence's trade request to USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about Lawrence's request.

The three-time Pro Bowl (2022-24) defensive tackle started 17 games last season but registered a career low in sacks (0.5).

Lawrence signed a four-year, $87.5 million contract ($60 million guaranteed) – an extension of his rookie deal – in 2023. He’s scheduled to be a free agent after the 2027 season.

Lawrence won’t attend the first day of voluntary workouts April 7, per ESPN.

Drafted 17th overall in 2019 out of Clemson, Lawrence has anchored the middle of the Giants’ defensive line since. But New York has made the playoffs once since he entered the league.

Lawrence’s most productive campaign was 2024, when he tallied 9 sacks. But he suffered an elbow injury toward the end of the year and it affected him all of 2025, according to Giants general manager Joe Schoen.

"Nine sacks might been an outlier the year before, so the expectation rises," Schoen said. "That's rare for a nose tackle. That's insane for a nose tackle to get nine sacks.

"It's in there. He still has a lot of good years left. It wasn't just Dexter last year. I can't put anything on him. The expectation is for him to be on the team and to come back and have a really good season for us."