Dexter Lawrence trade could reshape Saints’ defensive line

By Ross Jackson

After years of ongoing negotiations with three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, it appears the New York Giants’ star may be on his way out of the Big Apple. Should that come to fruition, the New Orleans Saints should strongly consider helping the Giants relocate the big-bodied most tackle via trade. 

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lawrence has requested a trade from the Giants as Organized Team Activities began for clubs with new head coaches on Tuesday. 

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.

Lawrence and the Giants have been through two off seasons attempting to negotiate a contract… pic.twitter.com/WUSTNxmeGh

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 6, 2026

The back and forth between Lawrence and the Giants has been well-documented as the two sides sought to find the appropriate value for an often underpaid position in today’s league. 

That fracture could give the Saints a chance to swoop in and completely reshape its defensive line. 

New Orleans would like to continue its positive trajectory as a rebounding run defense. Adding a 6-foot-4, 340 pound run plugger like Lawrence could go a long way to keeping that ascension going. 

The starting asking price for the trade is rumored to be a pair of first-round picks, LouisianaSports.Net has been told. However, that price isn’t likely to be met when there appears to be little to no future between the two parties. New York doesn’t have such leverage. 

Instead, a package of day two picks from this and next year’s drafts could at least get the conversation started and would likely be competitive with the market. 

If the Giants would need a sweetener beyond that, the Saints don’t have many tradable players at the moment, but those like linebacker Pete Werner, offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz (depending on the timing of the deal) and possibly even running back Alvin Kamara, whose future has been consistently in question as of late, could help to move the needle. 

Saying goodbye to any of that trio would be tough for New Orleans, and in truth, none may even be put on the market by the team. But if the Saints want to make a splash in the trade market to help out their defense, at least checking in on Lawrence would be wise.