The New York Giants have recently signed their star defensive lineman, Dexter Lawrence, to a substantial four-year, $87.5 million deal, featuring a $22 million signing bonus and $60 million guaranteed. This contract will take effect after the 2023 season, where he is set to receive a $6.65 million cap hit, which will surge to $21.9 million in 2024.
Lawrence’s Elevation to Top NFL Rankings
Lawrence’s considerable deal comes as no surprise given his ascendancy as one of the Giants’ most valuable players and his standing as one of the leading defensive linemen in the NFL. The NFL recently unveiled its top 100 players list for the 2023 season, where Lawrence clinched the 28th spot. With an opportunity to set the tone for the upcoming season, Lawrence could propel himself even higher up these rankings.
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Record-Breaking Performance in 2022
Lawrence’s performance in 2022 saw him setting personal records across the board. With a total of 70 pressures, including nine sacks, 26 quarterback hits, and 35 hurries, Lawrence demonstrated his prowess on the field. His statistics further extended to 53 tackles, 42 stops, and a 9.8% missed tackle rate.
Key Role in the Giants’ Defense
Lawrence’s contribution was instrumental in keeping the Giants’ defense afloat, especially when his running mate, Leonard Williams, encountered the first durability issues of his career. Lawrence consistently demonstrated his dominance over some of the best offensive linemen in the game, a testament to his agility and athleticism, impressive given his 6’4″, 342-pound stature.
Looking Ahead: Lawrence’s Role in a Healthy Team
With Williams expected to regain full health, Lawrence is poised to reap the benefits of compounded success. Lawrence recorded a career-high 977 total snaps last year. However, this number is projected to decrease slightly as the Giants add Rakeem Nunez-Roches and A’Shawn Robinson to bolster their run support.
The Giants prioritize keeping their best players in top form, and they understand the risk of overexerting Lawrence with nearly 1000 snaps per season given his size. Ensuring his fitness and stamina will undoubtedly be a key strategy moving forward.