Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants
Getty
Dexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants looks on during warmups of a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium.
The Houston Texans had arguably the best defense in the NFL last season, ranking at the top of the league in several major categories.
Not only did they give up the least amount of yards per game, but they also ranked No. 1 according to Sumer Sports’ EPA/play, and had the second-best turnover differential.
There’s no way they can get even better, right?
Well, news broke last week that New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence requested a trade, likely in an effort to get a new contract from the team that drafted him.
Could the Texans try to go all in and add another All-Pro caliber player to their already stacked defense?
Texans Trade Idea Acquires Dexter Lawrence
In a deal proposed by Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano, the Houston Texans would send out two of their top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to the New York Giants for Lawrence’s services.
Houston Texans receive: DT Dexter Lawrence
New York Giants receive: 2026 first-round pick (No. 28), 2026 second-round pick (No. 59)
“The 28-year-old Lawrence wants out of New York as well as a new contract, but his leverage is low after a lackluster season in 2025,” wrote Vacchiano.
“He’s only one year removed from a nine-sack Pro Bowl campaign, though, and the Texans need reinforcements inside to complement their dynamic duo on the edge (Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter).”
Outside of Sheldon Rankins, whom the team brought back as a free agent this offseason, Houston doesn’t have much on the interior of their defensive line.
Adding a two-time All-Pro in the middle of two elite pass rushers would wreak havoc on any opposing offensive line in front of them.
The Texans would be creating the best defensive front in football with the addition of Lawrence. The trio of Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, and Lawrence would have a career total of 175 sacks between them.
Houston would have to give the two-time All-Pro a new contract as he walked through the door, and with Anderson and C.J. Stroud in line for extensions, the Texans’ cap situation could get murky.
But this team has a championship window open in front of them thanks to that elite defense, and this would be a move signaling they’re ready to go all-in.
Would the Giants Make the Trade?
The Houston Texans can be as interested in Lawrence as they want, but could the New York Giants actually trade one of the cornerstones of their defense?
John Harbaugh has indicated he’s rather not, but for the price of two premier draft picks, the offer may be too good to give up.
New York is in an interesting situation where they want to win now under the guidance of their new head coach, but the cupboard is relatively dry.
They don’t have a third-round pick, thanks to last year’s Jaxson Dart trade up, and need cost-controlled young talent in multiple areas of the roster.
Would a late first and second-round pick tempt them enough to pull the trigger on a Lawrence trade?
For a team with several holes, it just may be enough.