Dexter Lawrence is pushing for a new contract. The Giants All-Pro defensive tackle won’t report to the start of the Giants offseason program as he pursues an extension, reports Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News.
[RELATED: Saquon Barkley Will Not Sign Franchise Tender Before Giants’ Offseason Program]
The former first-round pick is set to hit free agency following the 2023 season. He’s currently slated to earn $12.4MM this upcoming season via the fifth-year option, which the Giants picked up back in 2022. The Giants have been working on an extension with Lawrence, per Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports (on Twitter).
Following a 2021 campaign that saw him start a career-low 10 games, Lawrence came back with a vengeance in 2022. The defensive tackle set career-highs in tackles (68), sacks (7.5), and QB hits (28) en route to earning his first Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honor. Pro Football Focus ranked Lawrence second among 127 qualifying interior defenders, and he earned position-best marks for his run defense and pass rushing.
Considering Lawrence’s production last season, he should be eyeing a deal worth more than $20MM annually. There are currently six defensive tackles who top that mark, and while Lawrence will be hard pressed to match Aaron Donald‘s staggering $31.6MM average annual value, he could rival the contract that the Titans recently gave to Jeffery Simmons (four years, $94MM).
Lawrence won’t be the only Giants star skipping the start of the offseason program. We heard earlier today that Saquon Barkley won’t be signing his franchise tender prior to Monday as he pursues a long-term extension of his own.
Going to be a race between jets and giants to sign their dt first so the price doesn’t increase
Dexter Lawrence is the last man standing from the Odell Beckham trade. Giants gave up a diva and got them a stud who deserves to get paid.
Agreed.