The NFL is not only preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft—it has already begun voluntary workouts. Teams are now seeing players report for workouts, recovery plans, and general wellness checks.
One notable name is absent from the New York Giants’ voluntary workouts — and he is expected to skip them entirely. Star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence does not plan to attend offseason workouts.
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Lawrence and his representatives have demanded a trade after contract negotiations stalled.
Show me the money!
Lawrence’s current deal averages around $20 million per year. Now, his agency’s expectations for his next contract have come into focus.
Reports indicate that Lawrence is seeking $30 million or more annually in a new deal — roughly 1.5 times the average value of his current contract.
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Currently, Chris Jones is the NFL’s highest-paid defensive tackle, earning over $31 million per year. Some experts believe Lawrence could command close to $35 million annually.
That figure does not even include guaranteed money. Jones’ 2024 contract included $95 million in new guarantees. A comparable five-year, $175 million deal for Lawrence could easily surpass $100 million in guaranteed money.
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Under his current contract, Lawrence ranks as the 12th-highest-paid interior defensive lineman. His importance to the Giants’ defense cannot be overstated. He excels as both a pass rusher and a run defender.
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The Giants have watched him develop from a mid-first-round pick into a three-time Pro Bowl defender. He has recorded at least four sacks in half of his seasons with the team.
The last time the Giants made the postseason, Lawrence earned All-Pro honors while leading the defense. He finished that season with 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 68 total tackles.
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Lawrence is a disruptive force the Giants can ill afford to lose. However, multiple reports suggest he could command a first-round pick and more in a trade.
Should the Giants pay Lawrence what he wants — or capitalize on his value while they still can?