Colts Defense Could Create Chaos With Dexter Lawrence

All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence would send the Indianapolis Colts defense to atmospheric heights.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the powerful collision of a football defensive line, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a sense of raw energy and chaos on the field.A cubist interpretation of a dominant defensive line collapsing the pocket and disrupting the offense.Arlington Today

The Indianapolis Colts have one of the best defensive tackle tandems in the NFL with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. However, if they added another high-level talent like New York Giants All-Pro defender Dexter Lawrence, the interior of the trenches would be supreme. Lawrence has been one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL over the last four seasons, displaying incredible statistics and being a dominant force on the defensive line.

Why it matters

Acquiring Dexter Lawrence would immediately elevate the Colts' defense to new heights. Pairing him with Buckner and Stewart would create a fearsome trio of defensive tackles that would reshape how offensive lines approach Indianapolis. It would also help the edge rushers, as the disruptive interior linemen would flush quarterbacks out of the pocket, leaving them susceptible to sacks or more pressure from defensive ends.

The details

Lawrence hasn't been happy with how the Giants have handled his contract negotiations, ultimately leading to the two-time Second-Team All-Pro asking for a trade. Since 2022, Lawrence has been one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, stacking impressive statistics like 21.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, 73 QB hits, and three Pro Bowl nominations. In 2024, he had 9.0 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 16 QB hits, and was ranked 2nd among defensive tackles in overall grade, pass-rushing grade, and run defense grade by Pro Football Focus.

  • In 2022, Lawrence began his dominant stretch as one of the NFL's best defensive tackles.
  • In 2024, Lawrence missed 5 games due to a season-ending elbow injury but still put up incredible numbers.
  • In April 2026, Lawrence requested a trade from the Giants and will not participate in the team's offseason workout program.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A two-time Second-Team All-Pro defensive tackle for the New York Giants who has been one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL over the last four seasons.

DeForest Buckner

An All-Pro defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts who, along with Grover Stewart, forms one of the best defensive tackle tandems in the NFL.

Grover Stewart

An All-Pro defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts who, along with DeForest Buckner, forms one of the best defensive tackle tandems in the NFL.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“ESPN sources: Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade and he will not be participating in the team's off-season workout program that opens Tuesday.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Colts would need to execute a blockbuster trade to acquire Dexter Lawrence from the Giants, which could be difficult given his current contract and the team's desire to sign him to a new deal.

The takeaway

Acquiring Dexter Lawrence would immediately make the Colts' defensive tackle room the premier unit in the NFL, pairing him with the already dominant duo of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. This would elevate the entire Colts defense to new heights and create chaos for opposing offenses.