Even though the Jacksonville Jaguars emphatically stated that they hadn't looked into pursuing defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, there was a chance they could get a deal done on Draft Day because of general manager James Gladstone's willingness to make bold moves. However, a trade is no longer an option after the three-time Pro Bowl nod landed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that the New York Giants had traded Lawrence to Cincy in return for the 10th overall selection in the upcoming draft. Several outlets confirmed the move not long after, but based on the wording of the reports, it looks like the G-Men had to fork out additional compensation apart from their 2026 first-round selection.
And if that's the case, Jacksonville most definitely dodged a massive bullet.
Trading for Dexter Lawrence is no longer an option for the Jaguars, as he lands with the Bengals
Make no mistake, Lawrence is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. Even in an off year, he was still productive. Having said that, the Bengals had to give too much for him. Sure, you could argue that the Jags paid more — a first-round pick and a second — to move up for Travis Hunter last year, but aside from giving up the 10th overall selection (and possibly another pick, Cincinnati will have to give Sexy Dex a new deal, and it won't come cheap.
Already, Lawrence was scheduled to make $20 million per year, but he's looking for a contract that pays him in the high $20 milllion per year. Simply put, that would've been too much for the Jaguars. Granted, the deal will look much better if the former Clemson Tiger wreaks havoc for the Bengals, but there's an equal chance he won't.
It's also worth noting that head coaches across the NFL are shocked that the G-Men managed to get the 10th overall in return for Lawrence. Not because he's a bad player, but rather because he wants to get a substantial pay bump. For that reason, the belief around league circles was that the eight-year defensive tackle could net either a late first or an early second. New York got way more than that.
When you add it all up, trading for Lawrence was simply not feasible. Let's say the Jags got a deal done; they might've had to give up their second this year and their first in 2026, on top of having to give him a new contract. That would have left Jacksonville without significant resources to replenish the roster and pay their own players — tight end Brenton Strange, wide receiver Parker Washington, and safety Anthony Johnson are up for extensions.
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What's next for the Jaguars after missing out on Dexter Lawrence
Again, Dexter Lawrence is a fine player, and he would've turbocharged the Jacksonville defensive front if the Jaguars had traded for him. However, trading for him would've depleted the team of resources. Moreover, the team's brass just acquired Ruke Orhorhoro from the Atlanta Falcons in return for Maason Smith.
While Orhorhoro isn't near the same echelon as Lawrence, he'll most definitely give the Jags' interior defensive line a pass-rush boost. And with him in the fold, defensive tackle is no longer a pressing need. Granted, James Gladstone could still double-dip and take a defensive tackle at No. 56 but can easily wait to address the position until Round 3 and onward.
Keep in mind that the Jags can still bolster the defensive line because they kept their second-round pick, and they'll be able to take care of another next year because they held onto their 2026 first-round pick.
Now, the jury is still out, but based on the early results, it looks like the Jaguars did dodge a Dexter Lawrence-sized bullet.
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