The New York Giants have several players in the Pro Bowl this year, notably Saquon Barkley and defensive tackle, Dexter Lawrence. Barkley is enjoying a bounce-back season following years of injury-riddled play.
So far, Barkley has tallied 1,170 rushing yards, 294 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns. This is his first Pro Bowl appearance following an electrifying rookie season back in 2018.
However, Lawrence, on the other hand, is having his best season as a professional without question. At 25 years old, Lawrence is setting career highs across the board. He’s earned a career-high with 57 tackles, 53 total pressures, 8.0 sacks, 27 quarterback hurries, and 18 QB hits.
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The New York Giants are much better with Dexter Lawrence on the field:
Lawrence has been an impact player for the Giants in the middle of the defense, locking down a defensive tackle spot that has been a vulnerability in the past.
Across the last three seasons, Lawrence hasn’t lived up to his potential, but after the Giants hired Andre Patterson from the Minnesota Vikings, one of the best defensive line coaches in football, he’s completely transformed his game.
Luckily, the Giants picked up Lawrence’s fifth-year option, locking him in next year at a reasonable price tag. He will earn $12.4 million in base salary, but the Giants are looking to extend him on a long-term deal given the pass rush production he’s been able to curate this year.
Alongside a young group of pass rushers in Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari, Lawrence headlines a daunting trio of defensive linemen hitting their stride for a Big Blue.