Saquon Barkley’s absence is just the start of Giants contract problems

Dexter Lawrence was a key player in Brian Daboll’s first season with the Giants. Now the All-Pro defensive tackle wants to get paid for his efforts. 

Saquon Barkley’s contract status has been dominating the news in New York, but he’s not the only Giant who wants a new deal heading into next season. Standout defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence is also prepared to hold out if he doesn’t land a lucrative new contract.

Lawrence wasn’t an immediate star for New York after being selected with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, but he really came into his own playing for head coach Brian Daboll last season. His efforts earned him plaudits around the league and culminated in being named an All-Pro.

Reports claiming that Lawrence won’t report to training camp without a new deal shouldn’t come as a shock to the Giants. He’s seen Daniel Jones get rewarded with a massive deal despite being a less accomplished player. Lawrence won’t command that type of contract as a defensive tackle, but he’ll want to get a deal that puts him at the top of his positional market.

How will the Giants make sure everyone gets paid?

The challenge facing New York’s front office is getting all of their big-name stars paid within the confines of the salary cap. The reality that Lawrence and Barkley are both looking for new contracts at the top of the market could put the Giants in a precarious position heading into April’s NFL Draft.

Barkley may have the bigger name, but Lawrence is the more valuable player due to his positional value. He’d be much harder for the Giants to replace if they can’t come to a contract agreement in the coming weeks. Star running backs can regularly be found in the middle and late rounds of the draft. The same cannot be said for defensive tackles.

The Giants do have some leverage to wield in negotiations with Lawrence since he’s entering the fifth year of his rookie contract. The team is under no technical obligation to extend his deal at this time. Of course, failing to do so could result in acrimony that might cause Lawrence to leave in free agency next offseason.

Expect the Giants to come to the negotiating table with a quality offer before training camp begins. They know Lawrence is just the sort of young, ascending player they need to build their roster around. It would be a major surprise if he leaves the Big Apple anytime soon.