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Dexter Lawrence trade request: John Harbaugh optimistic Giants will keep star DT
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- Dexter Lawrence trade request: John Harbaugh optimistic Giants will keep star DT
New York Giants coach John Harbaugh doesn't seem overly concerned about star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence requesting a trade away from the team .
In fact, the 63-year-old coach expressed optimism that Lawrence would remain with the Giants as New York opened its camp for offseason workouts on April 7.
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"We'll find out," Harbaugh told reporters when asked about the prospects of Lawrence remaining a Giant. "I think the prospects are going to be high because, speaking for the Giants, we want Dexter here, I believe Dexter wants to be here. That's a good formula, but there's business involved."
But that "business" is nothing out of the ordinary, in Harbaugh's estimation. That's why he wasn't necessarily surprised by Lawrence's trade request, which became public on April 6.
"It's a business proposition," Harbaugh said, when discussing Lawrence's trade request. "These things happen every year pretty much on every team. So, not surprised by it. Saw it coming a few weeks back, probably."
Harbaugh acknowledged that, since then, the Giants have had "good conversations" with Lawrence's agent. As a result, the team understands what the three-time Pro Bowler is seeking in his request.
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"This is where we're at," Harbaugh said. "We'll try to work through it and see what we can get done."
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While Harbaugh was optimistic about retaining Lawrence, the veteran coach made some notable comments later in his media availability when asked whether edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux would be a trade candidate.
Harbaugh expressed he was "excited" about the opportunity to work with Thibodeaux but also outlined his general philosophy about trading players.
"Everybody's tradeable. Everybody," Harbaugh said , before cracking a good-natured joke at the expense of the reporter who asked the question. "But it's not really what you focus on. You focus on the fact that we're having a day. We're talking ball. Our team is coming together as a team."
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All that's to say the Giants figure to listen to trade offers for players like Lawrence and Thibodeaux, especially as they consider renegotiating the former's contract.
But amid that noise, Harbaugh will keep his team focused on one thing.
"The business part of it is the business part," Harbaugh said. "That kind of swirls around us, but we try to lock in on the football."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why John Harbaugh is optimistic about Giants keeping Dexter Lawrence
