This week, the New York Giants retained another key piece of their roster when they gave star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence a four-year, $90 million contract.
At age 25, he is already one of the NFL’s best at his position, and he was a big reason why the Giants surpassed expectations in 2022.
While talking to the media about his new deal, he said that the amount of money he received wasn’t important, but that this deal was about respect, as shared by SNY Giants.
What was important to Dexter Lawrence in his contract extension?
“The amount, to me, wasn’t that important. I just knew that I wanted to be respected for my production and my leadership.” pic.twitter.com/StiGcfshH0
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) May 5, 2023
Lawrence was the No. 17 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and after a decent but unimpressive first three seasons, he hit a new level in 2022.
He recorded 7.5 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, and seven tackles for loss, which earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for the first time.
He helped the Giants surprise everyone by winning six of their first seven games and making the playoffs, where they upset the Minnesota Vikings.
Unlike many good or great teams, New York didn’t get it done with a stellar offense — rather, they often won ugly on the strength of their defense.
It looks like they will have to win in similar fashion next season.
Although the Giants have brought in tight end Darren Waller, who had back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020, they still lack high-end playmakers other than star running back Saquon Barkley.
But they proved last year that they don’t necessarily need a lot of talent in order to defeat talented teams in any given week.
