Dexter Lawrence
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 28: Dexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants walks off the field after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders in the game at Allegiant Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to beef up at defensive tackle, and Dexter Lawrence could be the best avenue to take.
Lawrence, 28, is one of the top DTs in the NFL and has recently requested a trade.
“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,” Adam Schefter tweeted out on X. “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.”
Lawrence is one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL who can completely change any team he goes to, especially the Raiders. Since being drafted in the first round back in 2019, he’s racked up 341 total tackles, 30.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles.
Adam Schefter
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
Raiders Should Be All Over Dexter Lawrence’s Recent Trade Request News
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo provided some more context on the developing situation surrounding Dexter Lawrence.
“Teams inquired about Dexter Lawrence leading up to the trade deadline but those talks went nowhere, as#Giants GM Joe Schoen wasn’t moving a big piece minus a huge haul. Schoen reiterated in Feb ‘the plan is for Dexter to be on the roster’ but we’ll see how this round plays out.”
Lawrence has two years left on his four-year, $87.5 million contract with Spotrac adding that he’ll have a cap hit of $20 million in 2026 and $19.5 million in 2027.
The Raiders currently sit with around $23 million in available cap space, according to OvertheCap.com.
That’ll make things a little complicated in terms of financials, but it’s something that general manager John Spytek could manage. Especially for an elite player like Lawrence, that would be well worth the investment.
Projected Trade Cost
Dexter Lawrence
GettyDexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants reacts against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Giants won’t trade Lawrence unless they get a good return. Teams were calling on his availability before, and New York wasn’t budging.
Even with Lawrence now requesting a trade, it’s hard to envision a scenario where, if the Giants do decide to trade him, they don’t receive at least a first-round pick plus more premium draft capital.
“How important is he? Really important,” Giants head coach John Harbaugh said regarding Lawrence back in February. “He’s super important. He’s a cornerstone football player — not really a cornerstone, more like the middle stone. He’s right in the middle. He’s a very big stone, and he’s a very active, athletic one.”
If the Raiders want to go out and trade for Lawrence, they’ll have to pay a steep price. Las Vegas won’t offer the No. 1 overall pick, but if that’s the case, they’ll have to include at least pick 36, which is a borderline first-round pick.
But giving away pick 36 wouldn’t be it. The Raiders would also have to add more premium draft capital, which could be a 2027 second-round pick and one of the three fourth-round picks they own in this year’s draft.
Would Spytek want to give up two second-round picks and a fourth-round pick for a player like Lawrence? Or would he have to send over higher draft picks?
Regardless, Lawrence would provide a massive boost in the interior of the Raiders’ defensive line, and his situation is something to monitor as the 2026 NFL Draft inches closer for Las Vegas.