If the New York Giants end up having to trade defensive tackles Dexter Lorenzothey want “a first-round pick and possibly more.” according to a report by NFL expert Ari Meirov.
The Giants “won’t accept any deal” that doesn’t include that much, according to Meirov.
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The possibility of the Giants trading Lawrence increased Tuesday night with the news that Contract talks between Lawrence and the Giants had reached “an impasse.”
Lawrence, 28, has two years remaining on a four-year, $90 million contract extension he signed in 2024. When Lawrence signed that deal, he was the third-highest-paid defensive tackle in football. Now, his APR is tied for 11th with Daron Payne of the Washington Commanders. Lawrence also has no guaranteed salary left in his contract.
General manager Joe Schoen appeared to indicate Tuesday that The Giants would like to see Lawrence play out his contract.. He said the team has had “good conversations” with Lawrence’s representatives, but “he’s under contract for two more years.”
That might be what the Giants want, but it doesn’t seem realistic right now.
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There is an obvious sweet spot for a deal between the Giants and Lawrence. Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs, a three-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, is the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league with an average annual value of $31.75 million per year. Jordan Davis of the Philadelphia Eagles and Milton Williams Next up are the New England Patriots, with $26 million a year.
Neither Davis nor Williams are as accomplished as Lawrence. Lawrence is not as successful as Jones. So an extension worth between $27 million and $30 million annually, perhaps with the remaining years of his contract sweetened, seems like the right range.
It’s unknown if that’s what Lawrence is asking for or if the Giants are willing to pay that amount.
Return to commercial value.
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As Meirov noted, the Dallas Cowboys gave the New York Jets a 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick in exchange for defensive tackle. Quinnen Williamsa former All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler who is also 28 years old. It’s not hard to look at that deal and believe it set the market for the type of return the Giants should expect.