Pro Bowl DL follows Saquon Barkley'slead, won't attend OTA's

Dexter Lawrence Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pro Bowl lineman follows Saquon Barkley's lead, won't attend OTA's

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 4/12/23

On Monday, the New York Giants will kick off their offseason workouts. Star running back Saquon Barkley won't be in attendance. Another Pro Bowl teammate is expected to miss, as well.

According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence will bow out of OTA's while he continues to wait on a contract extension with the Giants.

News: Giants standout defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence will not be reporting for the start of the Giants offseason program on Monday due to his contract situation, sources tell the Daily News @NYDNSports @NYDailyNews https://t.co/g0YL1dw0eG
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) April 12, 2023

Eligible for free agency next offseason, Lawrence had the fifth-year option on his rookie deal picked up by the Giants last April. The 26-year-old defensive lineman is expected to make $12.4 million in 2023.

A first-round pick (17th overall) by the Giants in the 2019 NFL Draft, Lawrence is coming off arguably the best season of his four-year NFL career. In 2022, he recorded career highs in sacks (7.5), tackles (68) and quarterback hits (28).

Lawrence is looking to cash in on his standout campaign in the vain of several other standout tackles from the NFC East. In March, Daron Payne agreed to a four-year, $90 million deal (with $60 million guaranteed) to stay with the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, Javon Hargrave left the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles for a huge deal of his own, signing a four-year, $84 million contract ($40 million guaranteed) with the San Francisco 49ers after free agency opened.

On the surface, Lawrence's decision does not look promising for his future with the Giants, but Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports has relayed that Lawrence and the Giants are "working towards" an extension.

More must-reads: