The Jacksonville Jaguars are in need of upgrades on the interior defensive line. This is why nobody batted an eye when they emerged as a realistic destination for Dexter Lawrence when he requested a trade. The fact that New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh didn't emphatically dismiss the speculation didn't help matters.
Since the news broke, general manager James Gladstone has stated that trading for Lawrence is not something Jacksonville has considered, putting an emphasis on the fact that he's under contract. Nevertheless, the Clemson Tiger would fill a massive roster void. This is why an NFL analyst thinks the Jags are a potential destination for him.
The Jaguars are one of several potential trade destinations for Dexter Lawrence
Kevin Patra of NFL Media picked eight potential landing spots for Dexter Lawrence and included the Jaguars, noting that they have the draft ammo to pull off a trade.
"Jacksonville doesn't have a first-round pick, but general manager James Gladstone has 11 draft picks to throw around, including a second-rounder and three third-round picks," Patra wrote. "The GM has been fearless in his moves since taking over, so a trade for Lawrence wouldn't be out of his comfort zone."
Gladstone has certainly shown that he's not afraid to make a trade he believes will improve the roster. Last year, he acquired defensive tackle Khalen Saunders Sr., wide receiver Tim Patrick, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers via trade.
Later, Patra argues that Jacksonville would need to give Lawrence a new deal, but he would give a massive boost to a defensive front that already includes Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
"The Jaguars, like others, would have to make the money situation work, but adding a penetrator alongside Josh Hines-Allen and newly paid Travon Walker would upgrade the Jags' ability to affect the quarterback in 2026. The AFC South champs have been quiet this offseason. Gladstone could change that in one phone call," Patra wrote.
It's important to keep the money factor in mind, as Lawrence's trade request stems from New York's unwillingness to adjust his contract. He's set to make $20 million in 2026 but has been looking for a pay bump the past two years. Then again, it's easy to understand why the G-Men have been hesitant to give him a new deal.
For starters, there's a new regime in New York, one that would keep Lawrence around but has no prior attachment to him. Couple that with the fact that he's failed to log a sack in 22 games, and the Giants probably won't meet his request for a raise.
Why the Jaguars may change their stance and make a push for Dexter Lawrence
Plans can change, so even if the Jaguars have not considered the possibility of trading for Dexter Lawrence, maybe they could change their stance on draft day. Their interior defensive line is in need of a massive boost. If the Jags' preferred draft targets att defensive tackle are gone by the time they're on the clock at No. 56, it would make sense for a proven commodity like the 2019 first-round pick.
Granted, Jacksonville would need Lawrence to bounce back before making a financial commitment to him, but if he were to once again recapture his dominant form, he could turbocharge the defensive front.
On the other hand, it takes two to tango, and the Giants would need to A) be open to trading Lawrence and B) trade him for a reasonable price. A second-round pick — Jacksonville could throw in a Day 3 pick to sweeten the deal — should get a deal done.
The bottom line is that trading for Dexter Lawrence would make the Jaguars better, even though it's not something they've actively thought of. And if the right circumstances emerge, they shouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger.
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