Teams across the NFL are keeping tabs on the Dexter Lawrence contract impasse, after negotiations with the New York Giants stalled. The Jacksonville Jaguars already made their stance clear, with general manager James Gladstone saying that they haven't looked into it. But if they decide to consider a trade for the three-time Pro Bowl nod, the timeline is abundantly clear.
After hiring John Harbaugh as their head coach, New York may want to compete right off the bat. That's led to a prominent Jaguars voice to come up with a timeline to move Lawrence.
The Jaguars would need to trade for Dexter Lawrence before the 2026 NFL Draft
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated argues that the Jaguars may need to make a deal for Dexter Lawrence before the draft if they change their stance, pointing out that Giants general manager Joe Schoen might want to win as soon as possible to cool down his seat.
"But if the Jguars were to try to land Lawrence, it would seemingly take mostly 2026 draft capital," Shipley wrote. "With a general manager in Joe Schoen who should clearly be on the hot seat, the Giants feel the pressure to win now. 2027 picks would help theSchoen's replacement, but not him. So naturally, the Jaguars and the rest of the NFL now know when they would need to pull off a move for the big man."
Lawrence requested a trade in early April because he wants a contract adjustment. The 2019 first-round pick is scheduled to make $20 million in 2026 but is looking for a significant raise. While John Harbaugh said he would like to keep him around, negotiations have reached an impasse, and Big Blue is reportedly listening to trade offers.
Now, it's worth noting that Lawrence hasn't recorded a sack in 22 games but had a career-best nine in 2024. He could definitely help clubs in need of help at defensive tackle. On the other hand, because he's looking for a substantial raise, the Giants may not be able to demand much in return. Jordan Raanan suggests a second-round selection could get a deal done.
The Jags could definitely toss an extra Day 3 selection to sweeten the deal. They have two picks in Round 5 and three in Round 7.
Would it make sense for the Jaguars to trade for Dexter Lawrence?
It depends. If the Giants ask for a first-rounder in exchange for Dexter Lawrence, the Jaguars should most definitely pass, but if it takes a second, they should most definitely consider it. After all, the Jags must address the interior defensive line, and they'll probably do it with the 56th overall pick.
The issue is that this isn't a good defensive tackle class, and the ones Jacksonville would want in the second round may be off the board by the time it's on the clock. That would make Lawrence an intriguing pivot.
Having said that, the Jaguars would need to be comfortable with paying Lawrence more than $25 million per year. Moreover, he's 29, and it's hard to tell (at least from an outside perspective) whether he can bounce back from his underwhelming 2025 (0.5 sacks in 17 starts), or if he's starting to decline.
The biggest question, though, would be whether Lawrence is a fit in Jacksonville. General manager James Gladstone has stated he's looking for intangibly rich players, players who are tough and love to play football.
If the Jaguars think Dexter Lawrence checks all the boxes, the draft then becomes the date to keep an eye on.
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