Brad Holmes
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Lions GM Brad Holmes discussed several issues today.
While the face of the Detroit Lions defense remains star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, they could be looking to add additional figures on the defensive side of the ball to compliment him.
According to a recent report from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants has requested a trade, and isn’t going to be participating in the team’s offseason workout program.
“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,” Schefter wrote this week on X, formerly known as Twitter. “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 still has two years left on his current four-year, $87 million deal, and feels as though he should be paid more in his next deal. According to Connor Hughes of SNY, he could seek as much as $30-35 million per year in his next contract.
“The decline in production likely prevents Lawrence from resetting the market, but one source expected him to demand $30 million annually,” Hughes wrote. “Another front office source, because of the salary cap increase, foresaw something closer to $35 million.”
While there won’t be any shortage of teams lining up to land his services if he ultimately moves on from the Big Apple, could Detroit be a potential landing spot?
Could The Detroit Lions Be A Landing Spot For Dexter Lawrence?
According to Insider Chris Landers of FanSided, the Lions would benefit from the presence of Lawrence given the injury history to Alim McNeill as well as the liabilities of Tyliek Williams.
While it could come at a steep cost, Landers believes the time is now for the Lions to maximize the window of opportunity that the club has right now to bring an elusive Super Bowl to the Motor City for the first time in club history.
“The Lions haven’t been able to land a star edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, so why not attempt to shore up the middle instead?” Landers wrote. “Detroit could also use an interior presence given Alim McNeill’s injury history and Tyliek Williams’ inability to make a difference on passing downs, and Lawrence would command a ton of attention that figures to make Hutchinson’s life much easier.”
He continued:
“Yes, this would leave the Lions without picks in either the second or third rounds, but the competitive window is closing, and there’s a real need to add impact talent on defense how ever Brad Holmes can manage it. Some swings are worth taking.”
The Detroit Lions Missed The Postseason Despite Going 9-8 In 2025
The Lions were dethroned by the rival Chicago Bears atop the NFC North Division, and missed the postseason for the first time since 2023 with a 9-8 record.
Adding a star like Lawrence would come at a steep cost, but could ultimately prove to be worth it if it gets them over the finish line.