Latest rumors make Packers trading for high-end defensive star look unrealistic as expectations take clear hit
Green Bay would reasonably want to acquire Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants, but the combination of trade compensation and salary makes a deal highly unlikely.
The Green Bay Packers have a need at interior of the defensive line, and general manager Brian Gutekunst hasn’t shied away from opportunities to improve the roster. So when nose tackle Dexter Lawrence requested a trade from the New York Giants, it was natural to connect the dots and put the Packers in the mix.
However, it looks like this scenario is becoming more and more unrealistic by the day.
The pros are not pros anymore
Last week, we wrote here about the pros and cons of a deal for Lawrence. One of the best aspects was Lawrence’s contract — he’s set to make $20 million in 2026 and $19.5 million in 2027, which is pretty reasonable for a player of his caliber.
The problem is that it doesn’t look like Lawrence will be willing to play on a new team with his current contract. At least not for now. Some rumors indicate he wants $30 million a year, which is already a lot for a player who somewhat regressed over the past two seasons.
Be it due to his age or just a bad fit in Shane Bowen’s defensive scheme, it’s undeniable that Lawrence went through some type of decline over the past two seasons. After having two years with at least 60 pressures in 2022 and 2023, being a First-Team All-Pro, Lawrence had 70 pressures in 2024 and 2025 combined (36 and 34, respectively). He also had 16 stops, which is a career lowest for him and the first time he got below 20.
Additionally, the Giants’ asking price is unrealistic.
Too big of an investment
In a vacuum, it could make sense to trade something close to first-round value for Lawrence. But not based on how he’s played, his age, and the big contract, the deal would only be fair if it’s on a discount.
The Packers don’t have the draft capital to meet that price, nor the willing to give Dexter Lawrence that type of contract.
With a trade like this becoming less realistic, the Packers will have to look for defensive tackle/nose tackle options elsewhere — and, as always for Green Bay, the draft is the most natural path.