Dexter Lawrence
Getty
A to Z Sports proposed the Minnesota Vikings offer a "fascinating" conditional draft pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
The San Francisco 49ers could use some help along their defensive line, especially after they finished last season ranked 32nd in sacks (20). While a lot of that has to do with All-Pro edge-rusher Nick Bosa being lost for the season due to a torn ACL, the team still needs some help on the interior. While GM John Lynch was able to make a deal for former Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, the defense could use another star along the trenches.
As luck would have it, All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has recently requested a trade from the New York Giants. In response to that news, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes the Niners could be an ideal landing spot for the three-time Pro-Bowler.
The San Francisco 49ers Could Greatly Benefit From Having Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants
GettyDexter Lawrence has 103 career quarterback hits.
Here is what Moton wrote about the 49ers being the right fit for Lawrence via trade:
“Perhaps San Francisco isn’t done trying to revamp the unit under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Keep in mind that Alfred Collins had a quiet rookie campaign, logging 17 tackles (one for loss) and a sack. With a healthy Nick Bosa and 2025 first-rounder Mykel Williams on the edge, Lawrence and Odighizuwa would round out what could be an above-average defensive line.”
Moton’s proposed trade in this situation between the Giants and 49ers includes New York receiving a 2026 2nd-rounder, a 2026 4th-rounder, and disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. San Francisco would then receive Lawrence. With the Giants in need of another receiver for young quarterback Jaxson Dart, they could end up with the former All-Pro receiver.
But adding Lawrence to a 49ers defense that already includes the likes of Bosa, Odighizuwa, All-Pro middle linebacker Fred Warner, and steady defensive back Deommodore Lenoir could be massive. The run defense, along with the pass-rush, would immediately take a big step forward for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co.
The Defensive Line Failed the 49ers in the Biggest Moments Last Season
Nick Bosa 49ers Injury Seahawks
Getty49ers edge-rusher Nick Bosa played in just three games last season.
While the story would’ve been different if Bosa hadn’t been lost for the season, that’s not what took place in 2025. After blowing out his knee in the third game of the season, the 49ers were simply barely holding on along the defensive line the rest of the way.
Not only did the defense finish last in the league in sacks, but it finished 20th in total defense (340.2 YPG), t-31st in takeaways (16), and 23rd in first downs allowed (344). This defense struggled to get off the field without its star players. Remember, not only did Bosa miss almost the entire 2025 season, but Warner ended up being lost for the season due to a broken ankle.
In the Niners’ season-ending 41-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round, they surrendered 175 rushing yards and 5.4 yards per play. This defense needs more ammunition in the middle of the defensive line. Lawrence, who has 40 career tackles for loss, could be more than the right addition for San Francisco.