According to ESPN, Giants star interior defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II has requested a trade. Should Bears general manager Ryan Poles look into acquiring the Giants' defensive tackle?
Another impact defensive lineman could be in play for the Chicago Bears.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II has requested a trade and will not participate in the team's offseason workout program, which begins on Tuesday.
The 6-foot-4, 342-pound defensive tackle is under contract for two more seasons and will earn $20 million in 2026. Lawrence requesting a trade could be with the intentions to get an extension done with his current team. Definitely a possibility.
There is no denying that Lawrence is a player that opposing offenses have to game plan for, and he is someone general manager Ryan Poles should be serious about trying to acquire.
Since Lawrence's trade request was made public, the expectation is that calls will only increase for the 28-year-old interior game wrecker, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
What would it potentially cost to make a trade happen? ESPN NFL Nation reporter Jordan Raanan wrote on X that a "return would be in the range of late first-round pick to second-rounder."
The Bears have the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and picks 57 and 60 in the second round. Poles has some draft capital to work with to get a deal done if that's all the Giants are seeking.
Lawrence has been one of the most consistent defensive linemen in the NFL since he was drafted No. 17 overall out of Clemson in 2019. Through his first six seasons, he registered 30 sacks, five forced fumbles and 310 total tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished with a 74.5 overall PFF defensive grade in 2025, 9th among 134 qualified interior defensive linemen.
Last season was also a down year for Lawrence. He played in all 17 games, but had just 0.5 sacks and a career low 31 total tackles. He did secure his first career interception.
Lawrence dealt with an elbow injury later in the season, the same elbow that required season-ending surgery late in 2024. The New York Giants were also a mess of a team. Head coach Brian Daboll was fired midseason, and Charlie Bullen replaced Shane Bowen as the team's defensive coordinator.
One down year from Lawrence doesn't erase six NFL seasons. In his career, Lawrence has 307 total quarterback pressures.
Why should the Bears seriously explore acquiring Lawrence? For a Chicago Bears team that is ready to compete for more than just NFC North titles, Lawrences helps the team add another game changer on defense.
Really quickly for some people questioning if Lawrence is the best scheme fit in Dennis Allen's defense, which leans towards having smaller one-gapping D-linemen. Lawrence is one of those players who can work in any scheme. Allen shouldn't have a tough time making Lawrence fit in his defense.
Think about it this way as well. If the Bears needed to trade their 25th overall pick for Lawrence, he is going to make a bigger impact than any rookie would in that specific draft slot. And at just 28 years old, there is still plenty of football left in his career.
Bears can still add impact players in the second round, potentially at edge rusher and safety to completely revamp the defense.
If there is a legit shot to trade for Lawrence, Poles needs to make a move to that would completely transform a weakness on this Bears team to one of its greatest strengths.