Packers Seek Star Defensive Tackles in Trade Talks

Green Bay reportedly interested in acquiring Eagles' Jalen Carter and Giants' Dexter Lawrence

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Green Bay Packers have been actively exploring the trade market to bolster their defensive line, with sources indicating the team has reached out about acquiring star defensive tackles Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles and Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants.

Why it matters

The Packers' defense struggled at times last season, and adding an elite interior defensive lineman could significantly improve their pass rush and run defense. Both Carter and Lawrence are considered among the best young defensive tackles in the NFL, so their acquisition would be a major coup for Green Bay.

The details

According to reports, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has been making calls around the league to gauge the availability of top defensive tackle talent. The two players the Packers have specifically inquired about are Jalen Carter of the Eagles and Dexter Lawrence of the Giants.

  • The Packers made the trade for linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Brian Gutekunst

The general manager of the Green Bay Packers who has been actively exploring the trade market to improve the team's defense.

Jalen Carter

A defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles who is considered one of the best young interior defensive linemen in the NFL.

Dexter Lawrence

A defensive tackle for the New York Giants who is also regarded as an elite young talent at the position.

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What they’re saying

“The Packers have been making calls around the league for Defensive Tackles, per source. Two of the DTs they've called about: Eagles DT Jalen Carter, and Giants DT Dexter Lawrence.”

— Easton

“The Giants are "uber high on Lawrence”

— Easton

What’s next

It remains to be seen if the Packers will be able to strike a deal for either Carter or Lawrence, as both players are considered core pieces of their respective teams' defenses. The trade market for elite defensive tackles is typically very competitive, so Green Bay may have to offer a significant package to pry one of them away.

The takeaway

The Packers' aggressive pursuit of top defensive tackle talent underscores their desire to improve a defense that struggled at times last season. Acquiring a player like Carter or Lawrence would be a major boost for Green Bay's front seven and could help them take the next step as a Super Bowl contender.