Dexter Lawrence II
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New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka explained the absence of All-Pro Dexter Lawrence in overtime vs. the Detroit Lions.
The Minnesota Vikings are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with a need for an interior defensive lineman.
They’ve been heavily linked to most of the class’s top prospects at the position. Kayden McDonald, Caleb Banks, and Dominique Orange are just a few examples. They’ll be looking for a running-mate next to breakout star Jalen Redmond.
In a Monday-morning shocker, one of the league’s best at the position made himself available. Could the Vikings be in a position to strike a deal?
Dexter Lawrence Demands Trade from New York Giants
Minnesota Vikings, Dexter Lawrence
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 28: Dexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news on X, as he routinely does.
“ESPN sources: Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade and he will not be participating in the team’s off-season workout program that opens Tuesday.
Lawrence and the Giants have been through two off seasons attempting to negotiate a contract reflecting his value to the Giants over the last three years, but there has not been any progress, per sources.”
Schefter adds some more context on to the money Lawrence is owed and his internal displeasure with the Giants.
“Dexter Lawrence has two years remaining on his deal and is currently scheduled to make $20 million this upcoming season. Initially there had been optimism that with changes in the organization, discussions could move forward.
But now that they haven’t, new Giants head coach John Harbaugh will open his team’s off-season program Tuesday without one of his best players.”
The Vikings’ current cap situation makes a maneuver for Lawrence very difficult. Nonetheless, the NFL is truly unpredictable. Using the 18th overall selection in a potential deal with New York would absolutely be warranted and worthwhile.
Lawrence would no-doubt be an instant difference-maker on an already league-top Minnesota defense. He would fit what the Vikings like to do well, and would free up even more space for Minnesota’s pass rush to do what they do best; terrorize opposing QBs.
Vikings Eyeing Nigerian NFL Draft Prospect at Defensive Tackle Uar Bernard
Minnesota Vikings
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Bruce Feldman of The Athletic introduced Uar Bernard to the American football world.
“Jordan Luallen trained some of the most freakish athletes at the 2026 NFL combine. A 245-pound edge rusher who vertical-jumped 41 inches, a jumbo wide receiver who ran a 4.3 40, and a 293-pound defensive tackle who ran 4.8.
But Luallen told The Athletic he’s never seen an athlete like the one he’s been training for the past 10 weeks for this year’s NFL draft. Uar Bernard (pronounced “ooh-are”) measured in earlier this week at the NFL’s HBCU showcase at 6-4 1/2, 306 pounds with 11-inch hands and almost 36-inch arms.”
According to Ryan Fowler, the Vikings are 1 of 6 NFL teams to show interest in Bernard. The Cowboys, 49ers, Eagles, Chiefs, and Commanders are the other clubs to express interest in hosting Bernard for a visit.
Janik Eckhardt of PurplePTSD and Vikings Territory added some insight regarding the trajectory of Bernard in the NFL.
“Bernard is a project that will likely take years to provide a return on investment, if he ever can. Yet, teams often spend their later draft picks on players with potential rather than selecting pro-ready athletes. Bernard fits that mold, though perhaps a little more extreme than usual.”
And another snipped from Feldman about Bernard’s freakish athleticism:
“Other people who have spent their lifetimes in football say Bernard looks like a Marvel creation. Bernard’s body fat: 6 percent. He vertical-jumped 39 inches and broad-jumped 10-10, which was 14 inches more than any other defensive tackle did at this year’s combine. His 40-yard dash: 4.63.”
It’s hard to predict where Uar Bernard will land in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the Vikings may have some opportunities with their 5 selections in rounds 5-7.