Dexter Lawrence, Houston Texans
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Dexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants walks off the field after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Houston Texans could add a major upgrade to what is arguably the lone weak spot on their defense with Dexter Lawrence following his trade request.
Lawrence is a big-bodied defensive lineman, and he could be exactly what the Texans are looking for following an apparent philosophical shift from head coach DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke.
The Texans are in a position to pounce if the asking price is right.
Texans Trade Idea Targets Giants’ Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence II
GettyDexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants reacts after his sack against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Texans could be among the teams with at least an exploratory interest in Lawrence, who requested a trade from the New York Giants on Monday.
This Heavy Sports Texans trade proposal would look to bring Lawrence to Houston.
Texans get:
Dexter Lawrence
2026 sixth-round pick (No. 186 overall)
Giants get:
Kyonte Hamilton
2026 first-round pick (28th overall)
2027 second-round pick
This pitch is in line with what the Dallas Cowboys sent to the New York Jets (2026 second-round pick/44th overall, 2027 first-rounder, and Mazi Smith) for Quinnen Williams at the 2025 trade deadline.
Hamilton is a former seventh-round selection, not a first like Smith was.
But the Giants would also immediately benefit from the first-round pick, whereas the Jets had to wait a year.
Dexter Lawrence Could Fit New Mold for DeMeco Ryans
DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans on the field after defeating the Indianapolis Colts.
The Giants selected Lawrence 17th overall in the 2019 draft, six slots ahead of where the Texans landed Tytus Howard. Lawrence has earned three Pro Bowl trips. He had 0.5 sacks in 2025 despite starting all 17 regular-season games.
However, Lawrence had 9.0 sacks in 2024, his most recent and third straight Pro Bowl campaign. He could also be what Ryans is looking for now.
“Ryans does have a type of defensive tackle he likes. Historically, he likes defensive tackles who are lighter, with explosion and foot speed,” The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander wrote on April 6. “However, his perspective has changed some as the game has changed. In recent years, you’ve seen teams like the Patriots and Seahawks dominate defensively with big defensive tackles who can stop the run.
“Ryans recognizes that.”
The Texans return starter Sheldon Rankins, signed Logan Hall in free agency, are high on Tommy Togai, and have several depth options under contract for 2026. Still, a trade for Lawrence could take the Texans’ already toothsome defense to another stratosphere.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio would need to address Lawrence’s contract situation with C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. among the most pressing needs.
Texans Need Giants to Comply
Dexter Lawrence
Luke Hales/GettyDexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants speaks to the media during OTAs.
Like any trade, it takes at least two teams to consummate a deal, and the Texans would need the Giants to move off their previous stance regarding Lawrence.
“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,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on April 6. “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 has two years remaining on a four-year, $87 million contract.
Schefter added, “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.”
This is not the first time that Lawrence has been mentioned in trade rumors, with the Giants enduring losing seasons in six of his seven seasons so far.
“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,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on April 6. “Schoen reiterated in Feb ‘the plan is for Dexter to be on the roster’ but we’ll see how this round plays out.”