Sexy Dexy no longer wants to dance in New York.
Contract negotiations between Big Blue star Dexter Lawrence haven’t progressed to the defensive tackle's liking, leading to Monday’s news that he’s seeking a trade from the only team he’s played for in seven seasons.
The timing of the leaked news is calculated, as the Giants reported on Tuesday for the start of voluntary workouts under new head coach John Harbaugh, who downplayed the significance of the request.
Nonetheless, it’s a shot across the bow of the New York front office to up their offer for the stud DT.
Lawrence is coming off a down season, registering .5 sacks and 31 tackles in 17 games, ending his streak of three straight Pro Bowls. However, he remains a penetrating force who can completely change the complexion of any defense. Lawrence’s ability to get upfield and discombobulate the pocket is a talent matched by few. Even in a down year, he remained a top-10 interior pass rusher. The tape remains top-tier.
Lawrence has two years remaining on his 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 last contract places him 11th among interior defenders. Even entering his age-29 season, he’s worth a pay raise. The desire for a new contract, however, would curtail any compensation the Giants could get back in a trade.
Every team in the NFL could use a player of Lawrence’s caliber. Every team. But let's run through a list of some ideal landing spots for the Pro Bowler.
I’m starting with a cheat, because, frankly, I don’t think the Giants should trade Lawrence. They should pay him the going rate to be the centerpiece of Big Blue’s interior. Trading him would leave a massive hole in the middle. Even with all their edge weapons, last season the Giants were abysmal when Lawrence was off the field. They ranked 31st in sack rate, 32nd in yards per attempt allowed, and 27th in EPA per pass in plays the DT was off the field. New York's defense wasn’t good overall, but they were even worse when he took a breather. How would they replace him? With a second-round pick in a draft viewed as lacking? The compensation the Giants would be in line to garner at this point wouldn’t be worth gutting the interior of their new defense. Outside of a team blowing them away with a trade offer, New York isn’t going to get the requisite return for trading one of its best players.
Las Vegas appeared poised for a full-on reboot before the Maxx Crosby trade fell through. The pass-rusher remaining a Raider, coupled with the spending spree in free agency, why not go all-in on a quicker rebuild? Vegas has a glaring need in the middle. Pairing Lawrence and Crosby would be a headache for opposing offenses. Even after their big spending, the Raiders still have money to play with to give the DT a raise and enough draft capital to pry Lawrence away while still filling other holes. In a league that prides itself on quick turnarounds, Vegas could go all-in on giving its new coaching staff under Klint Kubiak the best chance to succeed in 2026 while breaking in a rookie quarterback.
Cincinnati usually shies away from making splash moves, particularly when it comes to shipping out draft assets. The club is also top-heavy with contracts and might not love the idea of shelling out for a player turning 29 years old. But after losing Trey Hendrickson, the defense could use an upfield force. Pairing Lawrence with free-agent veteran Jonathan Allen would immediately upgrade a problem area for Cincy’s defense a year ago. The postseason comments from Bengals stars underscored the need to improve the defense in 2026. Making a big play for Lawrence might be out of character for Mike Brown’s club, but it would certainly make Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase happy.
The Baltimore brass insisted they had eyes on pairing Trey Hendrickson with Maxx Crosby before nixing the trade with Las Vegas. Trading for Lawrence would give them another pass-rush force to play with under new HC Jesse Minter. After Baltimore struggled to get after the quarterback, a duo of Hendrickson and Lawrence would make the Ravens' front exponentially more menacing. Lawrence’s ability to get into the backfield would also allow Minter to get pressure without sending extra rushers. Baltimore has a trove of draft picks (11) to toss at the Giants, and has the salary-cap space to make the trade work. The uncertain future of Nnamdi Madubuike could also incentivize the Ravens to make a big move to solidify the middle.
Chicago has a glaring hole in the middle of its defense and has not upgraded the pass rush significantly this offseason. A trade for Lawrence would solve both in one swoop. The veteran’s run defense was down last year, but in Dennis Allen’s defense, his penetrating ability would be an ideal fit. After a magical year, in which they were ahead of the curve in Ben Johnson’s first season, this is the type of move a rising team should make to ensure they don’t fall back. Chicago has draft assets, including two second-rounders, to go after Lawrence. Cap space is a concern, but teams can make it work if they choose. GM Ryan Poles hasn’t been afraid of making big moves in the past. Another would fit the bill for Chicago.
If John Harbaugh can’t keep Lawrence, maybe he’d ship the defensive tackle to his brother, Jim, in L.A. The Chargers don’t have many draft assets to spend, but they have enough cap space to pay Lawrence the contract he seeks. L.A. could use a penetrator in the middle of the defense next to Teair Tart. Pairing Lawrence with Tart, Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack would be frightening for offenses. The Chargers have mostly taken a conservative approach this offseason. A splash trade for Lawrence would be a resounding statement heading into Harbaugh’s third season after back-to-back one-and-done playoff appearances.
We know GM Nick Caserio loves to deal, and with three picks in the top 60 of April's draft, he has the assets to make a trade happen. Sheldon Rankins is coming off a good season and Tommy Togiai is an underrated tackle in the middle. But adding Lawrence would be a significant upgrade in the interior. Imagine if you’re a quarterback dropping back facing Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter and Lawrence coming at your face. My word. Stacking strength on strength would take Houston’s already championship-caliber defense to another level.
Jacksonville doesn’t have a first-round pick, but general manager James Gladstone has 11 draft picks to throw around, including a second-rounder and three third-round picks. The GM has been fearless in his moves since taking over, so a trade for Lawrence wouldn’t be out of his comfort zone. The Jags, like others, would have to make the money situation work, but adding a penetrator alongside Josh Hines-Allen and newly paid Travon Walker would upgrade the Jags' ability to affect the quarterback in 2026. The AFC South champs have been quiet this offseason. Gladstone could change that in one phone call.