The NFL draft and lead-up tend to always get the rumor mill churning. This year, the Detroit Lions find themselves firmly in the spotlight, as reports suggest an interest in bolstering their defensive line. And, possibly subtracting from their tight end room.
With trade talks swirling, one name that stands out is the possibility of Sam LaPorta playing elsewhere, as he may find himself as the odd man out in Detroit's next wave of internal contract signings, with both Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell due for extensions.
When it comes to a blockbuster trade, if the Lions look to add, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants is a player who continues to garner headlines. As the draft approaches, let’s dive into what makes Lawrence a headline target, the Lions’ defensive needs, and how a trade could occur and why it makes sense.
The #Giants and star DL Dexter Lawrence, who have been talking about a new big-money extension, have reached an impasse, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 15, 2026
The Giants have engaged with teams on a potential trade and that will continue. It should come to a head before the Draft. pic.twitter.com/UhNXM4WGwF
Reasons the Lions should be concerned and optimistic about potentially trading for Lawrence
Again, every draft season, certain players dominate trade discussions. Dexter Lawrence’s name has risen to the top mostly due to the fact that he recently requested a trade. The Giants, amid coaching changes and what is expected to be a re-tooled roster, are reportedly open to offers on Lawrence and edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The Lions' defense has made strides under head coach Dan Campbell, but it's a group that has taken a step back since Aaron Glenn left for New York, leaving Kelvin Sheppard, a first-time coordinator, to navigate its deficiencies.
Detroit's inability to consistently rush the passer from both the inside and the outside remains a major concern. If general manager Brad Holmes is determined to plug this gap, then Lawrence’s skill set aligns perfectly with their ambitions. His ability to command double teams and stuff the run would instantly elevate Detroit’s defensive unit, providing stability and leadership alongside McNeill inside.
By creating pressure right in the face of opposing quarterbacks from the inside should help Aidan Hutchinson cause havoc coming off the edge.
Don't let Lawrence's lackluster 2025 campaign scare you. This was his worst season, playing on a poor Giants defense. He registered just 0.5 sacks and 31 combined tackles. However, the prior year saw him flash with nine sacks and 44 tackles, demonstrating his ability to deliver in the right situation.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Lawrence posted an 84.5 pass-rush grade last season but saw his run-defense rating dip to 57.0, a somewhat unforeseen rarity given that in each of his prior three seasons, he earned a grade above 80.0, peaking at nearly 90.0 back in 2023. This suggests last season was more of a fluke than reality.
Recently, SideLion Report writer Brad Berreman suggested a blockbuster trade that would land Lawrence in Detroit, who has requested a trade, in turn, with the Lions sending defensive tackle Alim McNeill to New York.
Berreman notes that the Lions signed the 2021 third-round pick to a four-year, $97 million deal in October of 2024. Then he suffered a torn ACL a couple of months later, and in 10 games last season, he was clearly not as explosive and quick as he had been prior to the injury.
More recently, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that he expects to see McNeill back to his old self this summer, after a full, healthy offseason under his belt heading into next season. Berreman also recommended the Lions might have to attach a future third-round pick, or perhaps a future second-round pick, with McNeill to complete the deal.
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Personally, I feel as though it would be an overpay to give up McNeill and a second-rounder, plus it feels a bit counterintuitive, but adding Lawrence to a defensive front that already features McNeill and Aidan Hutchinson would be extremely enticing.
This time of year, it feels as though teams can land veteran players seeking a fresh start or a new contract via trade at a reasonable price. If Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes were willing to negotiate a trade and a new deal with Lawrence, securing him via trade might be a lot easier than you think.
The Detroit Lions' current second-round pick, No. 50 overall, might be enough to secure Lawrence’s services. That said, the chance of Detroit picking a player as good as Lawrence in the second round is extremely unlikely.
A trade of this magnitude would give the Lions so much flexibility with their first-round pick. Holmes could select a rookie edge to add to what could be an already stout defensive front, or they could pick an offensive tackle or address their need in the secondary, knowing that the 50th overall pick has virtually already been used with Lawrence.
The possibility of Lawrence landing in Detroit remains one of the more intriguing storylines. Again, the Lions’ need for a reliable interior lineman is clear, and Lawrence’s performance history makes him an ideal candidate.
While the trade would require a significant investment, one that perhaps the Lions are unwilling to make could squash any potential deal as they tend to focus more on retaining their own players rather than being focused on bringing in veteran players and immediately extending them.
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