Currently, the NY Giants rank 21st among NFL teams in cap space at $11.1 million thanks to Darren Waller's retirement. However, given their lack of success last season, you'd think they'd have a lack of talent that would give them much more cap flexibility like some of the other bottom feeders around the league.
With this aforementioned lack of success, who are the Giants paying? How much value are they bringing to the table compared to the cash they're bringing home? These four players specifically are the highest paid on the roster and they need to deliver in 2024.
Note: All contract information was pulled from Spotrac.com.
4. DL Dexter Lawrence
Considering that Dexter Lawrence is by far and away the best player on the Giants, it may come as a surprise to see that he is the fourth highest-paid player on the team. Actually, he's technically fifth, as Malik Nabers' $18 million signing bonus puts him ahead. In terms of pure salary though, Lawrence ranks fourth, making about $17.5 million this season.
Lawrence is not only the best player on the Giants, but he also has an incredibly strong case to be the best nose tackle in the NFL. To rank fourth on the team in terms of salary is absolutely absurd value and a masterclass of negotiating by Joe Schoen.
Last season, Lawrence racked up 53 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 65 pressures. In addition to this, he was the highest-graded interior defender in the NFL according to PFF, ranking higher than guys like Aaron Donald, Quinnen Williams, and Chris Jones.
The way in which Lawrence dominates the trenches at his position cannot be understated. Without him, it's difficult to imagine what the Giants' defense would look like. To get all of this at just $17.5 million is a steal for the ages in 2024.