Dexter Lawrence's name has been all over the news recently, and it's not exactly for his dominance on the field. The New York Giants star defensive lineman has been having a statistically down season after last year's monster breakout campaign before injuring his elbow.
Those struggles have caught the attention of just about everyone, including opposing offensive coordinators, who have double-teamed him into oblivion. But it's the off-the-field nonsense circling him that's been the real talk of the town. Big Blue legend Carl Banks publicly called Sexy Dexy out on his podcast, saying no one respects him anymore, and a turf war ensued.
The hullabaloo has invited some to believe that Lawrence and the G-Men are no longer a fit. And with another humiliating loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, he might be looking for an out. Fortunately, for Giants fans, the 6-foot-4, 340-pounder emphatically shut down any desire to get traded anywhere else when asked after the 34-24 loss:
"I don't."Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence shuts down any trade talk ahead of 2025 deadline
This stance is great for the franchise, fans, and everything in between. Teams don't just stumble upon a player of Dex's caliber. He's one of the most disruptive forces in football and keeping him in East Rutherford is a non-starter.
There are those who would suggest moving him — especially after another miserable 2-7 start — but that seems way too shortsighted. Sure, acquiring some draft capital would be nice, but not for this three-time Pro Bowler.
Arguments could have been made that the seventh-year pro wanted out. That the losses were becoming too much for him to take. Two words for you, friends: He doesn't. And that's that.
It wasn't a week ago that Pro Football Focus had Lawrence as part of one of their 'fairytale' deadline deals, sending him to the Baltimore Ravens. However, the analysis for moving him works as a great counterargument for keeping him in Giants blue. He's been the "third-most-valuable defensive lineman over the last three years," per PFF's Wins Above Replacement data — so why move him?
Related: Giants fans torch baffling Dexter Lawrence trade proposal from PFF
Some members of Big Blue Nation have (rightfully) been frustrated with Lawrence's lack of production and the never-ending defensive struggles under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. And if there's any change of scenery happening before the deadline, Bowen feels like a much better option to part ways with.