The NY Giants' list of offseason holdouts appears to have been halved, as Dexter Lawrence and the GMen have reportedly put the finishing touches on a monster extension that includes $60 million in guaranteed money.
Why, that's almost half a season of Daniel Jones! Just kidding. Got to take care of the boys.
Despite some unexpected consternation and a few red flags a few weeks back (when it suddenly became en vogue to threaten to disappear for a while), the Giants regrouped and made sure that Lawrence, the unmovable cog in the center of their defense, would stay in place for quite a while longer.
Lawrence's deal will reportedly include a "$90 million" figure bandied about in headlines, but in actuality, it'll be $60 million in guarantees for the advanced run stuffer. Further details to come, certainly.
Giants’ All-Pro DT Dexter Lawrence reached agreement today on a four-year, $90 million extension, including $60 million guaranteed, per sources. The deal makes Lawrence the third highest-paid DT in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/PHhRdZv1k2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 4, 2023
NY Giants sign Dexter Lawrence to a four-year extension; what's next?
Lawrence made his first Pro Bowl in 2022, racking up 7.5 sacks and 28 QB hits. Unfortunately, he'll have to miss next year's Pro Bowl because the NY Giants will be participating in the Super Bowl.
Now, all eyes turn to Saquon Barkley, if they weren't keyed in on him already. While Jones gained long-term security this offseason, Barkley was given only a one-year franchise tag (which remains unsigned). The Giants have pledged to Barkley's camp that they like the player and intend to revisit a more permanent solution, though, and it was reported earlier on Thursday that Joe Schoen was prepared to end the impasse between the two camps shortly.
Lawrence's deal should serve as an encouraging sign to Barkley that there's still money to be tossed around, with one more core player yet to be taken care of. Barkley's deal likely won't reach the same heights -- and shouldn't, based on pedigree -- but it's highly likely there's something being formulated there, too.