Giants in the catbird seat
Lawrence dealt
Good morning, all and happy Sunday!
A dear friend of mine, who lives and breathes the New York Giants, called me a couple of weeks ago, when news broke that Giants DT Dexter Lawrence wanted to be traded, if the Giants did not renegotiate his contract. His exact words were, “Trade him for a first round draft pick!”
The Giants have answered the call. Saturday, New York dealt Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for a first round pick - number 10 overall in this week’s draft.
If you are a long, suffering New York Giants fan, and I am one of many, things continue to get more interesting with a new sheriff in town. With the coach John Harbaugh era well underway, change is the name of the game. Lawrence wanted out and the Giants were more than accommodating. That they managed to snag a number one pick, for a player coming off of a down season and demanding a new contract - even though he is among the game’s highest paid players - is itself a victory. That the normally conservative Bengals were the takers, makes it more amazing.
Suddenly, the Giants are an even more compelling story, entering Thursday night’s NFL draft with the fifth and tenth, first round selections. They are one of six teams with two first round picks, making for what could be a busy narrative leading up to the start of first round.
Meanwhile, Lawrence’s demand for a new-contract-or-trade-me deal, may speak volumes about Harbaugh more than Lawrence. You wanted out? Harbaugh said “you’re out.”
There are whispers Lawrence is not the hardest worker, when it comes to preparation. It is no secret Camp Harbaugh expects to be a grueling one, something Lawrence might not have wanted to be a part of, thus the unrealistic demand, coming off of that less-than-stellar season. Until he proves otherwise, Lawrence will have to live with those whispers.
As for the Giants, no whispering is needed. There is a new sheriff in town and he let it be known on Saturday.
That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. Thank you for subscribing and have a splendid Sunday!
DAN