Dexter Lawrence Absent From Giants’ Offseason Training Program, John Harbaugh Still Confident He’ll Stay With Team

New York Giants pass-rusher Dexter Lawrence was absent from the team’s offseason training program on April 7.

Lawrence requested a trade on April 6. Although these offseason training programs are voluntary, it’s still a bad sign for the Giants’ relations with Lawrence.

Lawrence signed a four-year, $87 million contract extension with the Giants in 2023. ESPN reports that Lawrence is looking for a pay increase in his next contract. Although the two sides haven’t worked out an agreement yet, Giants head coach John Harbaugh is confident that Lawrence will remain a Giant.

“We’ll find out. I think the prospects [of a return] are going to be high because the Giants, speaking for the Giants, we want Dexter here, and I believe Dexter wants to be here,” Harbaugh said. “And that’s a good formula.”

The Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills have all been reported as possible trade candidates for Lawrence. Lawrence is likely looking for an extension from his new team. 

The Bears may be the best fit for Lawrence. Last season, they ranked No. 23 in the league in defense. Although they had a good secondary led by Kevin Byard and Nahshon Wright, their pass rush game was lacking. 

The main issue for the Bears would be cap space. The Bears have the least amount of cap space remaining, according to Over the Cap. 

Cap space wouldn’t be an issue for the Chargers. Their defense last year was pretty good, ranked No. 9 in the league. However, their pass rush game wasn’t nearly as strong. Three of the Chargers’ top four players in sacks were linebackers. 

Lawrence is coming off a down season, with just 0.5 sacks. However, just a season before, he had nine sacks in 12 games. Lawrence was playing through an elbow injury last season.