After negotiating for the past two offseasons, the New York Giants All-Pro Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade. According to Adam Schefter via X, the defensive tackle will not participate in the team’s offseason program, which will take place tomorrow as of this posting. Originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Clemson product is coming off his worst season on paper. Lawrence hauled in just a half-sack, 31 total tackles, one interception, and four passes defended.
Still, the star defensive tackle is one of the most dominant stalwarts in the league. With the new leadership of John Harbaugh, there probably won’t be a reasonable contract negotiation since the Giants are building a new regime either way.
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… pic.twitter.com/WUSTNxmeGh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 6, 2026
BREAKING: Former Giants First-Round All-Pro Dexter Lawrence Requests Trade – 3 Possible Fits
Lawrence is set to become an unrestricted free agent next year, but he should be able to garner plenty of interest. It’s perfect timing for the defensive tackle as the 2026 NFL Draft is just weeks away. Before Lawrence’s struggling season, the defensive tackle hauled in 9.0 sacks, which was the highest single-sack season in his career.
With the Giants needing to worry about the contracts of Malik Nabers, Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart, it wouldn’t be smart financially to retain Lawrence. However, they can’t afford to lose their defensive captain before the 2026 season. The Giants could demand an early second-round pick from a team that is interested in Lawrence and find his replacement. It’ll be an interesting few weeks coming up, but these three teams should be able to pull off a blockbuster deal.
Top Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off free agency with more losses than additions. Despite signing Alohi Gilman to anchor the secondary unit, the team didn’t make any adjustments to the defensive tackle unit. The team lost Derrick Nnadi and Jerry Tillery, which is a huge blow to Chris Jones, who needs the depth. However, the Chiefs want to return to the postseason this upcoming campaign, which they missed for the first time in nearly a decade.
The duo of Lawrence and Jones would be a scary sight for opposing offenses. It could bring Kansas City back to the Super Bowl and compete once again under the Patrick Mahomes era.
Los Angeles Chargers
To no surprise, the Chargers’ free agency this offseason has been a complete letdown. Los Angeles added Dalvin Tomlinson on a low-stakes contract and brought back Khalil Mack to anchor this defense. However, QB Justin Herbert needs help if the team envisions him ever elevating this offense to the next level. With Lawrence stepping in as the new face for Jim Harbaugh’s trenches unit, he will create more opportunities for Herbert to stay on the field.
Lawrence is the perfect upgrade, and the Chargers have the cap space to get it done.
Baltimore Ravens
Under Jesse Minter, it wasn’t a surprise that the Baltimore Ravens were aggressive in upgrading the defense. Even though it didn’t work out with Maxx Crosby, the team signed Trey Hendrickson to a long-term deal, completely turning the defense from good to explosive. Lawrence could be the final crown jewel piece despite extending Travis Jones.