Dexter Lawrence's trade request upended the opening of the New York Giants' voluntary offseason program under John Harbaugh.
The new head coach isn't closing the door on Big Blue reconciling things with the star defensive tackle. Asked Tuesday about the prospects of Lawrence remaining a Giant, Harbaugh said, "We'll find out."
"I think the prospects are gonna be high because the Giants, speaking for the Giants, we want Dexter here," Harbaugh added. "I believe Dexter wants to be here, you know, that's a good formula, but there's business involved."
Lawrence signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension with New York in 2023. He has two years remaining on his contract with base salaries of $18.5 million in 2026 and $18 million in 2027, with no guaranteed money left. The $22.5 million per-year average on his last contract places him 11th among interior defenders.
The 28-year-old wants a new contract, and the lack of recent traction that would vault Lawrence into the upper echelon of his position led to the trade request.
Harbaugh said Tuesday that he spoke to Lawrence when he initially got hired, but he hasn't had any recent talks with the three-time Pro Bowler. The veteran coach added that he wasn't surprised by the maneuver from Lawrence's camp, noting that it's just the business of sports.
"We know it's pro football and these things happen every year," he said. "Pretty much every team. So, not surprised by it. Saw it coming a few weeks back and had good conversations with Dexter's agent, Joel Segal, and understood what they were thinking, and this is where we're at. So, we'll try to work through it and see where we can get done."
It would behoove the Giants to work things out with Lawrence. He's a pivotal part of the New York defensive front. Big Blue struggled mightily last season when he was off the field, and there is no obvious replacement on the roster if they do trade him. Harbaugh understands the dynamics.
"I don't know if granting the request is really the right way to say it, because it doesn't really work that way," he said. "It's not like a Christmas gift. It's business. The business is to be the best football team we can be."
The best defense the Giants could put on the field would include Lawrence. Bridging the gap on an extension is the business they must handle.
Other notes from Harbaugh's availability on Tuesday:
- On edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who's been the subject of trade chatter: "I think he's a great player. I'm thinking about him on the field. You want to talk about, 'Is he a trade possibility?' ... Everybody's tradable. Everybody. ... But it's not really what you focus on."
- Both receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo were in attendance as they're coming back from injuries. Harbaugh noted that Skattebo is ahead of Nabers in his rehab, and it's possible the RB gets on the field this spring. Nabers' timeline following ACL surgery is closer to training camp or the start of the season.
- Cornerback Paulson Adebo was also not at the start of the Giants' voluntary offseason program. "It's his right. Whatever his reason is, I'll be interested to hear it," Harbaugh said. Defensive lineman Sam Roberts was also absent, but that was due to surgery that prevented him from traveling.
