Lions Reportedly Eyeing Giants DT Dexter Lawrence in Potential Trade

Detroit would need to restructure contracts to afford the talented defensive tackle.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:23pm

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The Detroit Lions are reportedly interested in acquiring New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who has requested a trade. However, Lawrence's hefty salary over the next two seasons would make it difficult for the Lions to afford him without restructuring the contracts of players like Amon-Ra St. Brown or Penei Sewell.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to bolster their defensive line, and Lawrence would be a significant upgrade. But the team's front office has emphasized fiscal responsibility, so they would need to get creative with their salary cap to make a deal work.

The details

Lawrence, a 2019 first-round pick, has been a productive player for the Giants, recording 30.5 sacks, 341 tackles, one interception, and five forced fumbles in his seven-year career. The Lions are confident in the development of their own young defensive tackle, Alim McNeill, but including him in a trade for Lawrence could be an option.

  • Lawrence informed the Giants this week that he will not attend the team's voluntary offseason program.
  • The Lions' new head coach, Dan Campbell, expressed confidence that McNeill will bounce back strongly after returning from a torn ACL.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A 28-year-old defensive tackle for the New York Giants who has requested a trade.

Alim McNeill

A 25-year-old defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions who is looking to bounce back after returning from a torn ACL.

Amon-Ra St. Brown

A wide receiver for the Detroit Lions who could have his contract restructured to help the team afford Dexter Lawrence.

Penei Sewell

An offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions who could have his contract restructured to help the team afford Dexter Lawrence.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions who expressed confidence in Alim McNeill's ability to improve this upcoming season.

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What they’re saying

“Alim is only gonna be so much better from that. Alim would never say anything about that, but any player that comes off of that injury, it's hard. It's hard to be back to what you were immediately after it once you've rehabbed. I'm not worried about Mac. Mac's gonna come in and do well.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

What’s next

The Lions will need to evaluate the feasibility of acquiring Dexter Lawrence and determine if they can restructure contracts to make the deal work within their salary cap constraints.

The takeaway

The Lions' interest in Dexter Lawrence highlights their desire to improve their defensive line, but the team's commitment to fiscal responsibility means they will need to get creative with their salary cap to make a trade work.