-Ed-Mulholland-USA-TODAY-Sports-81
(New York, NY) — Another day, another Giants superstar holding out of voluntary workouts.
Just a day after Saquon Barkley announced we will miss New York’s offseason program, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News is reporting that defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence will also skip out.
While Barkley is unwilling to sign his franchise tag, Lawrence is actually under contract for 2023 but is seeking a long-term deal from the team.
The 25-year-old is fresh off the best season of his four-year career, and currently scheduled to play on his fifth-year option, which would pay him $12.4 million.
“We’ve started talking with his representatives,” general manager Joe Schoen said.
As of now, obviously, the two sides have not agreed to terms.
The defensive tackle set career-highs in tackles (68), sacks (7.5), and QB hits (28) en route to earning his first Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honor.
Considering Lawrence’s production last season, he figures to be seeking a deal worth more than $20MM annually. There are currently six defensive tackles who top that mark, including Jeff Simmons of the Titans, Daron Payne of the Commanders, and 49ers Javon Hargrave who all cashed in deals averaging $20+ million annually this offseason.
One of the best young interior linemen in the game, Lawrence could very well land his deal sometime this offseason. While the Giants seem unwilling to give Barkley his desired contract, they’d be wise to pay Lawrence, as a new deal would lower the $12.4 million cap hit from his current deal.
