New York Giants Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence was back on the practice field this week at the team’s minicamp, a tad bit wealthier than in years past thanks to the new four-year, $87.5 million contract he signed earlier this offseason.
The 17th overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft is not the only former 2019 first-round pick whose wallet is heavier this summer. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who the Giants selected sixth overall that year, signed a deal that’s worth nearly twice as much as Lawrence’s.
Lawrence has a bit of ‘swag’ to his walk after a big season and a new deal but said Jones is still the same guy as he was before.
“Still coming in every morning and staying late at night. Daniel is a grinder. Guy like that, he has good traits. I don’t even think he has swag to begin with,” Lawrence said with a laugh. “You all see him, you just talked to him, he’s just Daniel.”
Another teammate hoping to cash in is running back Saquon Barkley, who is currently without a contract. He has not agreed to sign his one-year, $10.1 million franchise tag tender and is holding out for more money.
“Whatever he’s going through, you just read about it or something like that. But to me, he’s still Saquon to me,” Lawrence said of Barkley’s absence. “He’s one of the leaders in the locker room. I love him, and I respect him. It’ll all play out for the best, I believe.”
Still, Lawrence admitted, it’s weird to have Barkley away from the team during offseason activities.
