The New York Giants have made it crystal clear: Dexter Lawrence isn’t going anywhere this offseason. Despite the chatter, trading him seems about as likely as a snowstorm in July. Yet, that hasn’t stopped some from imagining scenarios where Lawrence is on the move.
Pro Football Focus' John Kosko stirred the pot by naming Lawrence as the Giants' most valuable trade asset ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. But let's be real-John Harbaugh, brought in to lead the Giants back to glory, isn't about to trade away his top defensive star.
The Giants' defensive strategy hinges on their formidable pass rush, and Lawrence is the cornerstone of this unit. With Brian Burns and Abdul Carter wreaking havoc on the edges, Lawrence’s presence in the middle ensures that opponents can’t simply double-team their way out of trouble.
Drafted in 2019 with a pick acquired in the Odell Beckham Jr. trade, Lawrence has been the heartbeat of the Giants' defense. Even if his 2025 stats didn’t match his stellar 2024 performance, his impact remains undeniable. In 2024, he notched a career-high nine sacks and eight tackles for loss in just 12 games, making him a Defensive Player of the Year contender when healthy.
Sure, his 2025 numbers dipped to 0.5 sacks and four tackles for loss over 17 games, but trading him now would be a misstep. His potential to bounce back is significant, and his value goes beyond the stats.
Pro Football Focus gave him a solid 75.9 grade, ranking him ninth among defensive tackles, with an impressive 84.5 pass rush grade placing him seventh out of 134 qualified defensive linemen. Clearly, Lawrence’s best days are far from over.
The Giants are looking to compete immediately, and with Lawrence anchoring their defense, they’re set to make some noise. Trading away such a key piece doesn’t align with Harbaugh's vision of building a powerhouse team. Lawrence remains a vital part of the Giants' blueprint for success.