Giants’ John Harbaugh not surprised by Dexter Lawrence’s trade request: ‘There’s business involved’

The 28-year-old wants a new contract, and the lack of recent traction that would vault Lawrence into the upper echelon of his position led to the trade request.

Harbaugh said Tuesday that he spoke to Lawrence when he initially got hired, but he hasn’t had any recent talks with the three-time Pro Bowler. The veteran coach added that he wasn’t surprised by the maneuver from Lawrence’s camp, noting that it’s just the business of sports.

“We know it’s pro football and these things happen every year,” he said. “Pretty much every team. So, not surprised by it. Saw it coming a few weeks back and had good conversations with Dexter’s agent, Joel Segal, and understood what they were thinking, and this is where we’re at. So, we’ll try to work through it and see where we can get done.”

It would behoove the Giants to work things out with Lawrence. He’s a pivotal part of the New York defensive front. Big Blue struggled mightily last season when he was off the field, and there is no obvious replacement on the roster if they do trade him. Harbaugh understands the dynamics.

“I don’t know if granting the request is really the right way to say it, because it doesn’t really work that way,” he said. “It’s not like a Christmas gift. It’s business. The business is to be the best football team we can be.”

The best defense the Giants could put on the field would include Lawrence. Bridging the gap on an extension is the business they must handle.