The Houston Texans could have the means to swing a trade for New York Giants Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, and the channels of communication remain open heading into the 2026 draft.
Lawrence and the Giants have been negotiating terms for a contract extension that would keep the former Clemson Tiger with the franchise for the foreseeable future.
Failing at that so far, a new report indicates the Texans could indeed get a chance at Lawrence.
New Dexter Lawrence Update Bodes Well for Potential Texans Trade
GettyDexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants reacts after his sack against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Texans are one of many teams around the league that could benefit from adding Lawrence in a trade this offseason.
The Giants have been adamant about keeping Dexter, but the situation remains unresolved.
“The #Giants and star DL Dexter Lawrence, who have been talking about a new big-money extension, have reached an impasse, sources say,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on April 14. “The Giants have engaged with teams on a potential trade and that will continue. It should come to a head before the Draft.
“By the time the Draft arrives, the #Giants should gain a full understanding of league-wide interest in Dexter Lawrence, allowing them to make an all-important decision on his future and theirs.”
Lawrence, who turns 29 in November, is signed through 2027 on a four-year, $87.5 million contract.
The former No. 17 overall pick of the 2019 draft is a three-time Pro Bowler.
Giants GM Joe Schoen Leaves Door Open for Dexter Lawrence Trade
GettyDexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants looks on during warmups before a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Independent of any connection between Lawrence and the Texans, Rapoport pointed to comments Giants general manager Joe Schoen made on Tuesday during his pre-draft press conference.
“I know the hot topic will be–or some of the hot topic, other than the draft–will be Dexter. Just a quick update on that for you guys. We’ve had good conversations with his representatives throughout the last five or six days. Coach [John Harbaugh], Dawn [Aponte], myself, we’ve all been in communication, trying to find some resolution. I’ll echo what Coach said last week: We’d like for Dexter to be here,” Schoen told reporters on April 14.
“At some point, we’ll come to a resolution here, whatever that may be. We’ll see. But conversations have been really good. They’ve been productive. And again, we’ll see what happens here down the road. But I’m not going to say any more about it after that. But that’s the update. That’s really all there is.”
The first round of the draft is on April 23, and the Giants and Texans have done business before, with Houston moving the 25th overall pick in the 2025 draft to New York.
The Texans, who have been linked to a trade out of No. 28, could use it in a deal for Lawrence.
Dexter Larence Projected to Cash In
GettyDexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants walks off the field after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Texans or any other potential suitor for Lawrence must be mindful of what he could command on his next contract.
Spotrac projected a three-year, $81.7 million contract.
The Texans, who entered this offseason over the salary cap, have worked to get under it, but still have a potentially historic contract extension for Will Anderson Jr. looming. They also still need to plan for an extension for C.J. Stroud, even if it is not coming this offseason.
A trade for Lawrence would give the Texans a big-bodied (the Giants list him at 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds) disruptor to pair with Sheldon Rankins in the middle of their already stellar defense.
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