Dexter Lawrence’s trade request could make him a fit for the Colts, but they would have to make an incredibly hard decision
The Indianapolis Colts may not seem like a logical fit to trade for disgruntled star Dexter Lawrence, but DeForest Buckner’s neck injury could push them to pursue a reset at defensive tackle.
The NFL offseason is in a bit of a quiet zone right now. Free agency has died down as teams focus on the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Some big news shook things up on Monday, though, with New York Giants star Dexter Lawrence requesting a trade. Which will lead some to ask: Should the Indianapolis Colts be among the teams pursuing the All-Pro defensive tackle?
The Colts seem set at the position if you don’t cover the team closely. With starters DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart being looked at so highly around the league. However, it isn’t quite that simple, sadly.
If the Colts decided to make a tough decision, there is a reason they could pursue Lawrence. The question is, would they be willing to do that trade for the Giants’ star?
Should the Colts pursue Giants star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence with the injury concerns surrounding DeForest Buckner?
The reason this is even a conversation worth having is the future injury concerns with Buckner. He suffered a neck injury this past year, and it is more than fair to wonder if it will impact him for the rest of his career. The Colts star just turned 32 in March, so a reset could make sense for Indy.
The issue is that Buckner has arguably been the best player on the Colts since being traded here in 2020. Also notable that he has been one of the team’s most respected leaders in the locker room. So, while moving on from him to a younger, less risky player like Lawrence would be a tough decision to make.
Will the Colts actually pursue a trade for Dexter Lawrence?
The Giants could net a second-round pick—or maybe even a first-round pick—if they trade the defensive tackle. Due to their trade for Sauce Gardner, the Colts don’t own a first in 2026 or 2027, though. This makes it difficult to imagine them sending a strictly draft capital package in return.
If they pull off a deal, it would likely include Buckner to lower the pick sent back to New York. A deal that could give the Giants a proven veteran and a draft pick in the fourth or third round. But then the Giants would have to risk Buckner’s future health and lose a franchise cornerstone in Lawrence. For that reason, I personally do not see the Colts making a strong push to land Lawrence.
Verdict: No, I don’t believe the Colts will pursue a trade for Dexter Lawrence
Indianapolis Colts News
The 4 positions the Colts could target with their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, which comes at pick 47 in the second round
Looking at the four positions that have a strong argument to be the Colts’ first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set to come in the second round after their offseason decisions to date.
