The Jacksonville Jaguars are in need of upgrades at defensive tackle. This is why they emerged as a potential landing spot for Dexter Lawrence when he requested a trade. While he would give their defensive front a massive boost, acquiring him wouldn't come cheap. Not long after Dex made it clear he no longer wanted to play for the New York Giants, Jordan Raanan of ESPN suggested a second-round pick could get a deal done. However, the Giants want way more for him.
Couple that with the fact that Lawrence wants to get a deal that pays him in the high $20 million per year, and Jacksonville no longer seems like a viable destination for him. In fact, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports urges the Jags to steer clear of the eight-year defensive tackle. And more recently, insider Jordan Schultz revealed why he doesn't think they're in the mix.
Jordan Schultz doesn't see the Jaguars as a trade destination for Dexter Lawrence
Jodan Schultz made an appearance on 1010 XL's Duval Rundown and explained that the Dexter Lawrence situation is complicated, pointing out that he wants a new deal and isn't thrilled about the way New York has treated other prominent players.
"The Dexter Lawrence stuff is really interesting for a lot of reasons. No. 1, he's a great player at a pretty premium position, and there's a lot of interest for him, a lot," Schultz told host Rick Ballou. "The problem is that the Giants are going to be asking, and have been asking for a boatload back now, but you're going to have to pay Dexter Lawrence, who's going to want a new contract. And anytime you loop those two together, Rick, things can get hard in terms of a deal."
Schultz continued, "I wouldn't say he's definitely getting moved anytime soon, that anything's imminent, but I do think at this point, given where both sides are and the level of dissatisfaction from Dexter, that I would expect a move to happen at some point. I just don't think it's imminent."
For context, the Giants haven't been afraid to cut ties with players who could help them win games. Running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones come to mind.
Later, Schultz explained why the Jags probably aren't a fit for Lawrence, adding that he's not on good terms with the Giants.
"I don't think the Jags will be involved as well. Here's what it is: Really, it has not been in a good place between Dexter and the GianIts for quite some time. I would say money is a big part of it. Another element is that Dexter has seen the other players lead the organization over the years. He stayed quiet. He's been a good soldier. He's tried to be a team guy," Schultz said.
"So when it became clear last year that he had outplayed his contract in 24', it was time for a new deal. The organization basically said no. He felt, I think, like it was a slap in the face. And that has continued this off. And I had one source who I really trust say this was, this is a text, Dexter, he says he understands what those players who were shown the door by the Giants felt. I think that says a lot."
Although the Giants originally stated that they wanted to keep Lawrence around, a report surfaced that Lawrence had reached a contract impasse and wants out.
Why it makes no sense for the Jaguars to trade for Dexter Lawrence
If the Giants were looking for a second-round pick, maybe the Jaguars should try to get a deal done for Dexter Lawrence. But if they hadn't previously considered it, Jordan Schultz's remarks virtually rule out trade.
Sure, Lawrence could benefit from a fresh start and could get it in Duval. But he wants to get paid a premium and is coming off an underwhelming season. Heck, he hasn't registered a sack in 22 games. Granted, the former Clemson Tiger dealt with injuries in 2025, but giving him a new deal (and compensating the G-Men) would be a huge risk.
When you add it all up, it simply doesn't make sense for the Jaguars to make a push for Dexter Lawrence.
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