The New York Giants' contract situation with Dexter Lawrence has exposed a harsh reality for NFL players.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is frustrated, so much so that he has asked for a trade.
Why? Because he has no more guaranteed money coming to him on his contract, a deal that runs through 2027.
In a sense, Lawrence's agitation is understandable. He wants to protect himself in case he suffers an injury or in the event that the Giants deem him expendable if he has another off year next season.
The problem? Lawrence doesn't really have the type of leverage he may think, and it's because he signed that contract to begin with.
Lawrence inked a four-year, $90 million extension with New York in May 2023 knowing full well that his guaranteed dollars would cease after 2025. It's the harsh reality of the NFL, and Lawrence clearly operated under the assumption that at some point, he would earn a new pact from the Giants.
That hasn't happened.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.The 28-year-old has asked for a fresh contract since last year and has not been granted one, and to make matters worse, he just had the worst campaign of his career, finishing with 31 tackles, a half of a sack and eight quarterback hits.
New York isn't eager to give Lawrence more money, especially after what it just saw from him in 2025. And you know what? The Giants don't have to.
Do I think John Harbaugh and Co. should try and strike a new deal with Lawrence? Yes. When he is healthy (and I truly do not believe he was this past season), he is one of the best defensive players in football. Surely, New York understands that.
But should the Giants pay through the nose to keep him happy when there is a chance his decline may have already started? Absolutely not.
What Lawrence — and players in a similar situation — need to understand is that the Giants don't have to do anything. He is under contract for two more years, whether he likes it or not. He signed the deal. He knew the terms.
We can debate the ethical dilemma of NFL teams being able to cut ties with players midway through a contract, something that isn't really present in other sports.
But again, it's the nature of the beast, and Lawrence did not have to agree to structure his contract in a way where he wouldn't receive any guaranteed dollars the final two years of his deal.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK.Lawrence can hold out of offseason activities all he wants, but he knows that he can only sit for so long. He can't risk missing the 2026 campaign. Especially not after he just posted such a miserable showing the season prior.
In reality, it's the Giants who possess most of the leverage here. Sure, they can try to appease Lawrence by seeking a trade, but if they don't find a package to their liking, they absolutely do not have to move him. They can merely call his bluff.
If Lawrence decides to sit? Then penalties will incur, which will make his financial situation with Big Blue that much dicier.
New York would obviously like to avoid such a messy situation, but it also knows full well that it has Lawrence on the docket through 2027 ... on a contract to which he initially agreed and signed.
NFL players don't want to accept this reality, and in a sense, it's truly amazing that the Players Association has allowed this to remain a thing. But so long as it's a legal rule, there's nothing Lawrence — or anyone else — can do about it.
NY Giants Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Giants. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.