Dexter Lawrence
Getty
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 25: Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants celebrates a tackle for loss during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
New York Giants superstar defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence requested a trade, and it’s not a surprise for first-year head coach John Harbaugh.
“We know it’s pro football and these things happen every year,” he said. “Pretty much every team. So, not surprised by it.”
But trade rumors started to blow up when Harbaugh dropped this blunt statement.
“Everybody’s tradable. Everybody. …But it’s not really what you focus on.”
The reason Lawrence wants out is that he wants a pay bump. He has two years remaining on his four-year, $90 million contract with base salaries of $18.5 million in 2026 and $18 million in 2027, with no guaranteed money left. The $22.5 million-per-year average on his deal ranks him 11th among interior defenders, and given his past production and value, Lawrence wants to be paid among the top DTs in the NFL.
Around $30 million per year, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes.
Is that something the Bears are willing to do? Chicago Tribune senior writer Brad Biggs weighed in on the situation.
B/R Gridiron
Giants’ disgruntled DT expected to eye $30M a year in next contract 👀
Via @SNYGiants
Bears Insider Shared Thoughts on Potential Trade for Giants DT Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence is “scheme-transcendent,” according to Biggs, and would be a plus in any system. He’s a three-time Pro Bowl DT with over 30 career sacks and will turn 29 in November. Any team would want Lawrence on their squad, but it’s something Biggs believes the Bears aren’t in a position to do.
“The Bears are right up against the salary cap right now. Sure, they could clear the space needed to add a player like Lawrence if they want, but I kind of doubt they would make something happen here. Harbaugh has to want to keep Lawrence, right? The new coach has all the juice in New York. The Bears haven’t made a big move this offseason beyond the signing of safety Coby Brant, and I’m skeptical that trading premium draft capital for a defensive tackle going into Year 8 is a play they want to make right now.”
Biggs also factored in Chicago signing three defensive tackles this offseason, and while they aren’t on the same level as Lawrence by any means, the Bears will likely turn their attention to edge rusher.
“The Bears have signed three defensive tackles: Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch. None of them moves the needle like Lawrence, but the team has addressed the position. What it hasn’t gotten around to addressing — yet — is edge rusher. With a host of other needs, this is at least worth considering as well.”
Building Through the Draft
Ryan Poles
GettyGeneral manager Ryan Poles of the Chicago Bears speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
It’s fun to dream about having Dexter Lawrence in the middle of the Bears’ defensive line, but the Bears aren’t in a position to make a move of that caliber. Chicago also had a chance to trade for Maxx Crosby, but according to Biggs, the chances of the next wave of impactful players will come via the draft.
“I realize the Bears keeping their draft picks and attempting to have an impactful rookie class to follow the one they selected in 2026 hasn’t been the sexiest or most popular storyline for folks to follow this offseason. There was the possibility the Bears could trade for Maxx Crosby. Big names were floated when free agency opened. And now people are wondering about a talented player like Lawrence. But the chances are greatest that the next wave of impactful players will come from the draft.”
Chicago has pick 25 and two selections (57, 60) in the second round to find those impactful players. You would have to assume the Bears draft at least one defensive lineman with those three selections, and there’s a wide range of prospects Chicago can choose from.
Regardless, trading for Lawrence seems like a long shot for the Bears as it stands.