This NFL trade idea has the New York Giants sending Dexter Lawrence to an NFC contender.
In the wake of Dexter Lawrence requesting a trade from the New York Giants, one NFL analyst proposed a deal in which the Giants send the star to an NFC contender.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Giants and Chicago Bears:
Chicago Bears Get: DL Dexter Lawrence
New York Giants Get: 2026 4th-round pick, Conditional 2027 3rd-round pick
Lawrence has requested a trade because the Giants have been reluctant to alter his $20 million salary for 2026. The three-time Pro Bowler has two years left on his current contract.
Last season, Lawrence had the worst year of his career. He put up only 0.5 sacks, 14 solo tackles, four tackles for loss and eight QB hits.
In 109 games with the Giants, Lawrence has 30.5 sacks, 185 solo tackles, 40 tackles for loss and 103 QB hits. He's one of the top players in the league at his position and multiple teams have already contacted New York about trading for the veteran despite his subpar 2025 campaign.
The Bears won the NFC North last season and beat the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round of the 2026 playoffs before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. Chicago needs a dominant pass rusher and Lawrence fits that bill to a T.
"If the Giants make Lawrence available at a reasonable price point, the Chicago Bears should be inclined to pounce," Knox wrote. "Chicago emerged as a legitimate contender this past season, but its defense needs improvement. Adding Lawrence could help Chicago bolster a run defense that ranked 29th in yards per carry allowed and a pass rush that generated only 35 combined sacks."
New Giants head coach John Harbaugh has been around the NFL for a long time, so he's not surprised by Lawrence's trade request. The former Baltimore Ravens coach believes that things will ultimately work out between Lawrence and New York's front office.
"We'll find out. I think the prospects [of a return] are going to be high because the Giants, speaking for the Giants, we want Dexter here and I believe Dexter wants to be here," Harbaugh said. "And that's a good formula."
If the Giants give Lawrence a new contract, the DL will be back in New York. However, if a new deal isn't offered to Lawrence, he's likely gone.
Giants Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Giants. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.