NFL Rumors: Giants Reveal Asking Price For Dexter Lawrence

April 16, 2026
New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence reacts during 2025 game.

The New York Giants spent Tuesday trying to project calm. 

GM Joe Schoen met with reporters ahead of next week's draft and called his conversations with Dexter Lawrence's camp "good" and "productive," said there were no deadlines, said he'd pick up the phone if teams called, and said it was a case-by-case basis.

Then, Tuesday night, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that talks between the Giants and Lawrence had hit a full impasse, and the New York Daily News's Pat Leonard went further, reporting they had "broken off" entirely. 
So much for productive. Lawrence, 28, requested a trade on April 6 after extension talks failed to gain traction, and he has not attended the start of the Giants' offseason workout program. His contract carries two years remaining but zero guaranteed money, with an $18.5 million base salary in 2026 that ranks roughly tenth among interior defensive linemen. 

His camp believes the market has moved past that number. The Giants, who are preparing for a draft where they hold the fifth overall pick and only one other top-100 selection, are now actively engaged with other teams on a trade. 

Per Leonard, there is "significant demand" for Lawrence on the market. 

What the Giants Are Asking For

Schoen was careful not to put a price on Lawrence publicly, but the reporting around the trade market suggests the Giants are seeking a late first-round pick in 2026, a 2027 first-rounder, or some combination of a second and additional picks. 

Per ESPN, the situation is likely to reach a resolution before the draft begins April 23, because that's when the Giants would most benefit from knowing exactly what they're getting back. 

Trading Lawrence while a team's first-round pick is on the clock gives New York the clearest picture of what it's receiving. Schoen acknowledged the dynamic obliquely: "It's a case-by-case basis and what the compensation may be." 

Coach John Harbaugh said last week that "everybody is tradeable," though he clarified that isn't what the team is focused on. 

The Giants are also dealing with a secondary distraction, as Kayvon Thibodeaux, their 2022 No. 5 overall pick, has also been the subject of trade discussions. Thibodeaux is due $14.75 million on his fifth-year option, missed seven games with a shoulder injury in 2025, and had 2.5 sacks on the season. 

Harbaugh addressed those rumors too: "There's business involved." 

The Real Problem for New York

Lawrence is a three-time Pro Bowler and the best player on the Giants' defense by a significant margin (341 tackles, 30.5 sacks and 103 quarterback hits in 109 career games). 

Losing him would leave a roster that already has significant holes even thinner up front. Thibodeaux is the only other proven pass rusher on the roster, and he missed nearly half of last season. 

The Giants have two picks in the first two days of the draft and need to address multiple positions simultaneously. Trading Lawrence makes them competitive draft capital in return, but it also removes the anchor of a defense that has precious little else to work with. 

Per NBC Sports, any deal requires two things happening at once: the Giants getting an offer they won't refuse, and Lawrence agreeing to a contract with the acquiring team. 

That's a two-needle thread with the clock ticking. Schoen said he's not putting deadlines on anything. The calendar has other ideas. 

Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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