Vikings Urged to Avoid Trade for Giants' Dexter Lawrence II

Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber cautions against giving up draft capital for the standout defensive tackle.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in shades of purple, green, and orange, depicting the overlapping planes and perspectives of an NFL defensive line formation.A cubist interpretation of an NFL defensive line, reflecting the Vikings' desire to build depth and competition across their roster.Indianapolis Today

The Minnesota Vikings have been linked to a potential trade for New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, who is reportedly in a contract standstill with his current team. However, former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber is advising the team to avoid making a big move to acquire Lawrence, stating that the Vikings should instead focus on building depth and competition through the draft.

Why it matters

The Vikings have a need at defensive tackle following the departures of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen this offseason. Lawrence would be a valuable addition, but Leber believes the team is better off avoiding splashy moves and instead trading back in the draft to accumulate more picks and build roster depth.

The details

Lawrence, a former first-round pick, had a strong 2022 season with the Giants, earning a 75.6 overall PFF defensive grade that ranked ninth among 134 qualified interior defensive linemen. His 84.5 pass-rush grade was seventh at the position. However, Leber believes the Vikings should focus on adding more competition and depth across the roster rather than making a big trade for Lawrence.

  • On April 14, NFL Network reported that the Giants and Lawrence have hit a standstill in contract extension negotiations, and the team has engaged with other teams on a potential trade.
  • Leber made his comments during an April 16 appearance on KFAN radio.

The players

Dexter Lawrence II

A standout defensive tackle for the New York Giants who is reportedly in a contract standstill with the team, leading to trade discussions.

Ben Leber

A former linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings who is now urging the team to avoid trading for Dexter Lawrence II.

Minnesota Vikings

An NFL team that has been linked to a potential trade for Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II.

New York Giants

The NFL team that currently employs defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, who is reportedly in a contract standstill with the team.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think [the Vikings are] in a position to be spending equity right now or in the future. The messaging has been about acquiring as much talent as possible and creating as much competition as we can, really across the board. When you look at every position group, there isn't one I'd consider untouchable when it comes to the draft or free agency, including offensive tackle.”

— Ben Leber, Former Vikings linebacker

“It's not a top priority. Obviously, there's a list, but there's no spot where you'd say, 'We're set there.' If the best player is available, I think you at least have to consider it. That said, I don't see this team making splashy moves to go out and get someone like Dexter Lawrence, even though he'd be a great fit in this scheme.”

— Ben Leber, Former Vikings linebacker

“I think they hold onto their assets, avoid big moves on draft day and are more likely to trade back, if anything, to add more depth and competition. So the chances of landing Dexter Lawrence feel pretty low.”

— Ben Leber, Former Vikings linebacker

What’s next

The Vikings will continue to monitor the situation with Dexter Lawrence and the Giants as the NFL draft approaches on April 23.

The takeaway

The Vikings are in a position to add talent across their roster, but former player Ben Leber believes the team should avoid making a splashy trade for Dexter Lawrence and instead focus on building depth and competition through the draft. This approach aligns with the team's stated goals of acquiring as much talent as possible without overspending on any one player.