Dexter Lawrence’s trade request was not just an attempt for more money from the team. Two sources tell me he does indeed want out of New York. But the Giants do not necessarily agree, and they don’t have to make a deal by next week.
Here’s what I’ve gathered: The Giants do not seem too keen on paying Lawrence high-market price coming off his worst statistical season of his career, but they aren’t going to give him away. If they can get a great offer for him — something that includes at least a first-round pick — I think they will deal him.
The acquiring team will likely have to pay Lawrence a salary in the high-20s upon trading for him. That would be OK for a contending team needing an interior defensive lineman and realizing this is not the year to hope you’ll get one in the draft.
Quinnen Williams went for a first and second back at the trade deadline, and that generally seems like a fair price for Lawrence. What will be interesting is if the Giants take a 2026 second rounder and demand a 2027 first. If that’s the case, and if the Giants do deal Lawrence, they wouldn’t have to do the transaction until Friday.
If we get through Friday night with no deal, I would not expect one any time soon. Both sides can pick up where they left off on talks and try to find a middle ground as the spring continues.
