The New York Giants aren’t done extending vital pieces of their team this offseason, and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence will now reportedly be one of the highest-paid for his position in the NFL.
NFL Network reports that Lawrence and the Giants have agreed to a four-year extension worth $90 million with $60 million fully guaranteed.
That brings Lawrence to $22.5 million per year, tied for third among defensive tackles with Daron Payne of the Washington Commanders.
Only Los Angeles Rams defensive star Aaron Donald ($31.67 million per year) and Tennessee Titans veteran Jeffery Simmons ($23.5 million) earn more.
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Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants in action against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium on November 13, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Lawrence’s contract would take effect next year during the 2024 season, keeping him under Giants control until he hits free agency in 2028.
Lawrence joins fellow 2019 NFL Draft first-round pick and captain, quarterback Daniel Jones, with a new contract this offseason. Jones officially became the franchise quarterback when he agreed to a four-year, $160 million contract, which pays $40 million per season.
DANIEL JONES, GIANTS AGREE TO FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION
Lawrence has been everything the Giants have hoped for since he was drafted 17th overall in 2019.
The Clemson product had a career year in Wink Martindale’s scheme under the Giants’ new regime led by head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Lawrence totaled 7.5 sacks and 68 combined tackles, both career highs, with three passes defensed, two forced fumbles and seven tackles for loss. He also racked up 28 quarterback hits, showing that he had the ability to get to the quarterback.
New York Giants NFC defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence reacts during the skills events of the Pro Bowl Games on February 2, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Lawrence’s efforts earned him his first Pro Bowl berth, and he was named to the AP Second Team All-Pro defense.
The Giants hope the combination of Lawrence and Leonard Williams, who is playing in the final year of his contract this season, will continue to provide solid defense in the trenches this year. New York will look to improve against the run. The Giants ranked 25th last season against the run, allowing 144.2 yards per game.
Now that Lawrence got his contract after Jones, all eyes will be on Giants running back Saquon Barkley. The Giants slapped their franchise tag on Barkley, who is reportedly seeking a contract extension before the start of the season.
Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants runs out during introductions against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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In four seasons (64 games), Lawrence has recorded 16½ sacks, 213 tackles, four forced fumbles, 21 tackles for loss and 58 quarterback hits.