NFL insider: New York Giants can't keep wasting Dexter Lawrence's career

USA Today

3 days ago

New York Giants star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence has been a model of consistency over the last several seasons. He has played at an elite level and is clearly in the prime of his career ahead of the Giants' 2025 season.
While some expect the Giants' defense to be something special centered around Lawrence and the upgraded defensive line, there isn't really a ton of optimism around the team being a contender in the NFC East in 2025.
That sparks the fear of Big Blue wasting Lawrence's prime and career, as outlined by Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post.
Lawrence, 27, quietly went about his business during OTAs and spring minicamp, working in individual drills but watching 11-on-11s from the sideline.
He hasn't given a media interview since Thanksgiving — in the aftermath of suffering a dislocated elbow — so his thoughts are unknown on the roster overhaul that happened in the offseason and the plan to rebuild around quarterback Jaxson Dart in 2026, when Lawrence will be in his eighth season.
But, as the 2025 season approaches, the Giants are running the risk of wasting greatness.
Although Lawrence seems to be dominating at a higher level every year for the last three years, realistically, there are only so many years left of him playing at a level this high. He is arguably the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL, with the ability to not only be a run stopper but a pass rusher as well.
The problem is a high snap count and the tax on Lawrence's body.
Lawrence has the Giants' logo tattooed on his right biceps. He told The Post last season that he sees himself sharing space with legends in the franchise's Ring of Honor one day.
'I do see myself having my name up there,' Lawrence said at a time when he was 'extremely frustrated' with losing and teammates repeating mental mistakes. 'That means more to me than getting traded. In this organization, anybody would want to have their name up there.'
But it also stands to reason that Lawrence hears a ticking clock — a sound getting louder over the past 700-plus days — on his desire to win now.
It's up to the 2025 Giants not to quietly waste another day of Lawrence's dominance toiling in obscurity.
If the Giants are going to benefit from Lawrence playing at a high level, they will need to turn their fortunes in a hurry. After a great first year under head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, the Giants have gone downhill over the last two seasons. Lawrence has an opportunity to have his strongest year yet if he continues to play the way he's been playing, considering the talent around him this upcoming season.
Obviously, the Giants would rather be a competitor while one of their best players is in their prime. However, the time is ticking away for the Giants to turn it around. This season is already looking pretty grim when factoring in the Giants' offensive expectations and the schedule that lies ahead of them.