Jaguars Face Hurdles in Dexter Lawrence Trade

Potential high cost may deter Jacksonville from pursuing star defensive tackle.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:24am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the overlapping, fragmented forms of a football defensive line, rendered in shades of teal, gold, and black to represent the colors of the Jacksonville Jaguars.The Jaguars' potential trade for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence faces hurdles due to the Giants' high asking price.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars' pursuit of star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence may be in jeopardy due to the high price tag associated with acquiring him from the New York Giants. The latest reports suggest the Jaguars are hesitant to meet the Giants' trade demands, which could ultimately end their interest in the Pro Bowl player.

Why it matters

The Jaguars have been seeking to bolster their defensive line this offseason, and Lawrence would be a transformative addition. However, the team is wary of overpaying and compromising their salary cap flexibility and draft capital, which are crucial for building a contender around young quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

The details

According to sources, the Giants are seeking at least a first-round pick and potentially more in exchange for Dexter Lawrence. The 25-year-old is coming off a Pro Bowl season and is regarded as one of the top interior defensive linemen in the NFL. The Jaguars have the draft capital to make a deal happen, but the high cost may be a dealbreaker for the team's front office.

  • The Jaguars have been actively pursuing trade options to improve their defensive line this offseason.
  • Dexter Lawrence is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Giants.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A 25-year-old defensive tackle for the New York Giants who made the Pro Bowl in 2022.

Trevor Lawrence

The young quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars who the team is building around.

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What they’re saying

“Dexter Lawrence is one of the best young defensive tackles in the league, but the price tag to acquire him may be too high for the Jaguars to justify at this time.”

— Anonymous Jaguars source

What’s next

The Jaguars will continue to evaluate their options as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches, weighing the potential impact of adding Lawrence against the significant cost of a trade.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' pursuit of Dexter Lawrence highlights the difficult balance teams must strike between acquiring elite talent and maintaining financial flexibility. Jacksonville's hesitation to meet the Giants' trade demands underscores the challenges of building a championship roster in the modern NFL.