New York Giants star gets an unexpected surprise to kick off training camp, and it should give him extra motivation this season

Dexter Lawrence gets significant incentives added to his contract ahead of the 2025 season

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport has now reported that the Giants have added $3 million in incentives to Lawrence's preexisting deal. He has the third largest cap hit of any DT in the NFL at $23.6 million, and trailing only DeForest Buckner and Daron Payne. This now offers him the opportunity to earn an additional $3 million if he can accomplish the milestones outlined in his contract.

Lawrence is coming off the best year of his career by setting new career highs with nine sacks and eight tackles for loss despite only appearing in a career low 12 games. He has cemented himself as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL and as a massive leader on this Giants team.

This decision by the Giants is a strong indication of good faith from the team's front office, showing that they value a player of Lawrence's caliber. The next wave of Giants that will develop over the next couple of seasons will need a player to look to as they learn what it means to be a New York Giant. Two players specifically that should lean on Lawrence are rookies Abdul Carter and Darius Alexander, who will have the privilege of being on the defensive line with the three-time Pro Bowler. Recent years have certainly been tough for the Giants and their fans, but the hope is that prosperity is on the horizon, and Lawrence should be one of the players leading that charge going forward.