New York Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is the closest thing the team has to a leader. As they continue to go through changes and transitions, he knows he has to keep his emotions in check.

This week, the Giants made the decision to bench (and then release) starting quarterback Daniel Jones and insert local favorite Tommy DeVito into the role.

That was a tough pill to swallow for Lawrence, who has grown close to Jones since the Giants selected the pair in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.

“Definitely difficult, but I’ve been a part of this business,” Lawrence told reporters on Wednesday. “Just like last year when they traded my best friend (Leonard Williams) in the middle of the season. It’s part of the business and I understand that part. And like I said before, I sympathize with Daniel. He works hard, great .” Dude, relatable. It just sucks.”

As one of the longest-tenured Giants (along with Jones and wide receiver Darius Slayton), Lawrence commented on the state of the locker room, which he said is good.

“I haven’t seen any withdrawal, or any discouragement. I haven’t seen any guys falling apart – and that’s starting to happen first. So I haven’t seen it,” he said.

Lawrence was asked how he thought Jones handled the situation before his release.

“He still has a smile on his face,” Lawrence said. “And I told him, ‘You’re going to get another chance, and wherever it is, you’re going to take advantage of it.’ But I’m excited for Tommy, and it should be good.”

Lawrence is willing to move on from DeVito, who hasn’t played in the regular season since last year.

“He obviously showed his talents last year. And I trust him, and I trust what the team has seen from him, so I’m excited,” he said.

Lawrence leads the Giants in sacks and the 2-8 Giants lead the NFL in sacks. With seven games to go, he can’t take his eye off the ball. He wants to finish strong.

“Prove myself, prove that this defense is a great defense, and rally under the attack and encourage, and keep the confidence,” he said when asked what his approach is.

Lawrence was not in favor of Jones’ benching and his comments earlier this week may have led some to believe he is not aligned with the powers that be. He debunked that story.

“I trust what the coaches think, and they think Tommy is the best way to go. I’m going to back that up and I’m going to play my hardest for Tommy, just like I played my hardest for Daniel and whoever else.” goes next, he said.

Related

Elle Duncan fires back at Giants: ‘I stand by’ my mockery of Daniel Jones

5 teams that could sign ex-Giants QB Daniel Jones

Fans desperately want the Cowboys to sign Daniel Jones for a Thanksgiving revenge game

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Dexter Lawrence leads Giants through final transition