Giants HC John Harbaugh reacts to star's trade request

New York Giants coach John Harbaugh. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Giants HC John Harbaugh reacts to DT Dexter Lawrence II's trade request

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 5:40 PM ET

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II has requested a trade. That doesn't mean the NFC East team will fulfill it.

New Giants head coach John Harbaugh spoke with the media Tuesday as the team began its voluntary offseason program. Lawrence, unsurprisingly, skipped. The coach, however, remains optimistic he'll play for New York in 2026.

John Harbaugh discusses Dexter Lawrence II's trade request

"We'll find out. I think the prospects are going to be high because the Giants, speaking for the Giants, we want Dexter here, and I believe Dexter wants to be here," the coach said. "That's a good formula. But there's business involved...saw it coming a few weeks back, probably."

The Giants and Lawrence have failed to reach an agreement on a revised contract over the past two offseasons. The three-time Pro Bowl DT is entering the third year of a four-year, $87.5M deal in 2026 and is set to make $18.5M in base salary, but the star defender reportedly wants a new deal.

"We want Dexter here, I believe Dexter wants to be here. But there's business involved...saw it coming a few weeks back, probably."

John Harbaugh on Dexter Lawrence: pic.twitter.com/4I0OxWGWv1
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) April 7, 2026

Lawrence, who turns 29 on Nov. 12, has less bargaining power after an underwhelming 2025 season. The defensive lineman had a half-sack and 31 tackles in 17 games last season after logging nine and 44 in 12 games the previous season. It's worth noting he reaggravated a left elbow injury that ended his 2024 season.

Harbaugh later admitted that everyone on the roster is "tradeable," but the Giants may not receive many offers for Lawrence, given his decline and injury history. New York also doesn't want to lose any more proven players after going 13-38 over the last three seasons.

The best option for both parties may be to return to the negotiating table and work something out. Perhaps New York won't give him an extension, but it can offer him a revised incentive-laden deal to motivate him to recover and rebound in 2026.

Lawrence may be saying he wants out of New York, but that doesn't mean it will oblige. Harbaugh clearly prefers that he stay with the Giants. And with the Super Bowl-winning coach having significant say in roster decisions, the club could reach a compromise with the DT.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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