All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade from the New York Giants and will not be participating in the start of the team’s offseason program this week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He’s seeking a raise that reflects his value, but the two sides apparently have not made any progress.
There should be plenty of interest across the NFL in a player of Lawrence’s caliber. The Vikings are probably something of a long shot, given their cap situation and the fact that they already have a star defensive player (Jonathan Greenard) who is seeking a raise. Still, it can’t be ruled out. The Vikings have a need at defensive tackle, and there are ways in which Rob Brzezinski could make it work.
Mock trade
Vikings get: DT Dexter Lawrence
Giants get: 2026 second-round pick (No. 49), 2027 fifth-round pick
Why it makes sense
Lawrence, who the Giants drafted 17th overall in 2019, put together a dominant run as an interior pass-rusher from 2022-24. He made three straight Pro Bowls and recorded 27 sacks in that span. Lawrence also had a PFF grade of 89.9 or better in each year, with 60-plus QB pressures in ’22 and ’23. He was one of the best players in the league at his position.
Last season was oddly quiet for Lawrence from a sack perspective, but his pressure numbers and pass-rush grade remained very good. And unlike previous big-name Vikings DTs Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, Lawrence is still on the back end of his prime. He doesn’t turn 29 until November.
Can you imagine adding the man nicknamed Sexy Dexy — all 6’4″, 340 pounds of him — to the middle of Brian Flores’ defensive line? Alongside Jalen Redmond and the Vikings’ edge rushers, Lawrence would have a chance to put together a major bounce-back season in 2026. He could be the piece the Vikings need to reach legitimate Super Bowl contention.