Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants
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Dexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
With Mike McCarthy taking over as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ new head coach for the 2026 season, predicting how the organization will operate has become much more difficult.
Under previous head coach Mike Tomlin, the team was known for its veteran leadership and tough, gritty defenses. Under McCarthy, that identity could shift.
McCarthy, an offensive play-caller at heart, will instill his own vision into a franchise he’s long admired. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t welcome defensive additions if the opportunity presents itself.
After New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II requested a trade on April 6, the Steelers were quickly mentioned as a potential landing spot.
Steelers Linked to Dexter Lawrence II Following Trade Request
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Lawrence requested a trade as the Giants began their offseason workout program on April 7.
“Lawrence and the Giants have been through two offseasons 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 reported.
That development immediately sparked speculation about potential suitors.
Sports Illustrated’s Mike Kadlick pointed to Pittsburgh as a logical fit, largely because of Lawrence’s connection to new Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
“The Steelers brought in Patrick Graham to lead their defense this past January after replacing head coach Mike Tomlin with Mike McCarthy. Graham, 47, served as the Giants’ defensive coordinator and assistant head coach under Joe Judge from 2020 to ’21 — working closely with, you guessed it, Lawrence,” Kadlick wrote.
Kadlick also noted the Steelers have the financial flexibility to make a move.
“Pittsburgh currently sits in the top half of the league in terms of salary cap space with just over $27 million heading into the NFL draft… why not continue building one of the league’s best units by bringing in Lawrence alongside T.J. Watt, Derrick Harmon, Alex Highsmith and the rest of the bunch?”
On paper, it’s an intriguing idea — but it would come with real risk.
Contract Demands Could Make Steelers Think Twice
The entire reason for Lawrence’s trade request is rooted in contract negotiations with the Giants, meaning any team that acquires him would need to offer him a new deal.
Spotrac projects Lawrence to land a three-year, $82 million contract, which would be a significant investment.
On top of that, a team like the Steelers would inherit $20 million of his current contract this season and $19.5 million in 2027 before he hits free agency. The Giants, meanwhile, would absorb a $13.9 million dead cap hit but clear $13 million in space this year.
Assuming an extension is involved, Dexter Lawrence currently projects toward a 3 year, $82M contract according to Spotrac's model. https://t.co/M4QkXb1gog
— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 6, 2026
That’s a hefty commitment — especially for a team entering a new era under McCarthy.
The Steelers appear to be trending toward getting younger and cheaper. A move for Lawrence wouldn’t necessarily align with that approach.
While he’ll be just 29 in November, he’s coming off a down season statistically, recording just 0.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits and 31 combined tackles — all career lows.
He is a former two-time second-team All-Pro back in 2022 and 2023.
For a team maybe trying to reshape its roster for the future, that kind of investment could be difficult to justify.