Giants Explore Dexter Lawrence Trade with Harbaugh Brothers

Potential deal could reunite the All-Pro DT with his former college coach.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented action of a football game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange intersecting to create a dynamic, abstract composition.A potential trade of star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence could reshape the Giants' roster and reunite him with his former college coach.NYC Today

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants are reportedly considering trading away star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. While the team has publicly stated a desire to retain Lawrence, behind-the-scenes discussions suggest a potential deal could be in the works that would send the All-Pro to a team coached by one of the Harbaugh brothers.

Why it matters

Lawrence has been a cornerstone of the Giants' defense since being drafted in the first round in 2019. Parting ways with him would be a major shakeup, but the team may feel they can get significant value in a trade. The Harbaugh connection adds an interesting wrinkle, as Lawrence played for Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan.

The details

According to league sources, the Giants have engaged in trade talks involving Lawrence, with the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens emerging as potential landing spots. Both teams are coached by a Harbaugh brother - John in Baltimore and Jim in San Francisco - who are known to have a close relationship.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just days away on April 24-26.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A 27-year-old defensive tackle who has been a standout for the New York Giants since being drafted in the first round in 2019.

Jim Harbaugh

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and Dexter Lawrence's former college coach at the University of Michigan.

John Harbaugh

The head coach of the Baltimore Ravens and the brother of Jim Harbaugh.

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What they’re saying

“We value Dexter greatly and want him to be a Giant for years to come, but we also have to be open-minded about opportunities that could improve our roster.”

— Dave Gettleman, Giants General Manager

What’s next

The Giants will continue trade discussions leading up to the draft, with a decision on Lawrence's future expected to come in the days before or during the first round.

The takeaway

The potential trade of Dexter Lawrence would be a bold move by the Giants, but one that could pay dividends if they can land a strong package in return and reunite the star defensive tackle with his former college coach. This story highlights the interconnected nature of the NFL coaching community.