A New York Giants loss could turn into a Dallas Cowboys win.

The Giants’ defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence asked for a trade Monday, April 6. As per head coach John Harbaugh, it was a "business proposition," and he wasn't surprised by it.

But this move could indirectly benefit the Boys. Here's how.

"The biggest potential impact here for the Cowboys is not going after a trade with Dexter Lawrence. But getting him out of the NFC East," per Tom Downey from the Cowboys report by Chat Sports. "Then create a giant hole along the Giants' interior defensive line."

So, in short, when Big Blue starts testing the market for what they can get in return for Lawrence, the Cowboys are better off staying out of it.

Lawrence requested a trade from the Giants after contract negotiations stalled. He was on a four-year, $90 million extension, signed in 2023.

The contract ran through the 2027 season, and Lawrence had two years left on it. He is set to earn a base salary of $18.5 million this year, per Spotrac. And his $3.24 million of 2026 salary is guaranteed, but for injuries only.

Lawrence needs an expensive new contract on top of an already steep trade price. Either way, a division rival is weakened and distracted during a critical draft preparation period.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys benefit indirectly from this situation. The divisional rivals face each other twice every regular season. And Lawrence has played 14 games against the Boys so far.

However, the Giants are forced to make a difficult choice, opting for the less costly and more strategic move for the team.

Keeping Dexter Lawrence Could Cost the Giants More Than They Realize

Over seven seasons, Dexter Lawrence has played in 109 games (102 starts), racking up 341 tackles (185 solo), 30.5 sacks, and 40 tackles for loss.

All this while, he made it to the Pro Bowl three times and earned second-team All-Pro accolades since he was drafted in 2019 by the Giants.

He reached his best in 2022, racking up 7.5 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, and 68 tackles (35 solo). But his 2025 season wasn't up to that performance. He wrapped up the last season with 31 tackles (14 solo), 0.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss.

His recent performance no longer meets the standards expected of a long-term impact player, and keeping him against his desire to move could limit his productivity.

Even without a trade, his situation could silently benefit the Cowboys, creating a distraction for the Giants while he struggles to perform at peak levels.

What are your thoughts on Dexter Lawrence getting traded? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore