They don’t want to trade Dexter Lawrence II for anything less than a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft, and the New York Giants have one “logical” landing spot for the All-Pro nose tackle, a team in the AFC, one whose general manager hasn’t exactly dismissed the idea of making a deal for big No. 97.
It’s AFC West outfit the Los Angeles Chargers who appear the most likely destination for Lawrence. That’s according to Tyler Dragon of USA Today Sports, who revealed, via a source, “the Chargers are one of a few ‘logical’ destinations for Lawrence if the Giants do trade him.”
Dragon’s inside information was echoed by a subsequent report from NJ.com’s Darryl Slater, focusing on the potential role of Bolts’ general manager Joe Hortiz. Slater noted the Chargers “are, of course, coached by Jim Harbaugh, the brother of new Giants coach John Harbaugh. And Hortiz, now entering Year 3 as the Chargers’ GM, was in Baltimore alongside John Harbaugh before he got that bigger job.”
Slater concluded by pointing out how “With the 2026 NFL Draft set to begin next Thursday night — and the Giants coveting an immediate first-round pick for Lawrence — keep an eye on the Chargers, who pick 22nd in Round 1.”
That kind of offer would surely be tough for the Giants to refuse. Particularly if they’re paying attention to recent comments from Hortiz.
Chargers GM Weighs in on Dexter Lawrence Trade Talk
Hortiz was diplomatic when asked about Lawrence, simply saying, “I typically don’t like talking about players on other teams. You guys know that. I’ll say he’s a great player, and I’ll leave it at that,” per Slater.
This non-denial, denial about the Chargers’ intentions regarding Lawrence is both timely and telling. Telling because this isn’t the first time the Chargers have been linked to Lawrence.
Hortiz could have emphatically put an end to talk like this by ruling out any deal for Lawrence. Instead, the front office chief at least left the door ajar, at a time when negotiations between the player and the Giants are said to be at a standstill.
Lawrence wants a change of scenery, and the Chargers make sense as a viable destination. They are a ready-made playoff contender with a star quarterback in place, in the form of Justin Herbert.
The Chargers also boast a strong core defensively. Particularly up front, where nine-time Pro Bowler Khalil Mack continues to be a force on the edge, but he needs the kind of support Lawrence would provide as one of the NFL’s premier interior game-wreckers.
Hortiz has constructed a roster primed to win now, so he could justify sacrificing a first-round pick for an elite proven commodity like Lawrence. That would suit the Giants, who already appear to be searching for his replacement.
Giants on the Hunt for Defensive Tackle Help
The Giants are wisely running the rule over draft-eligible defensive tackles. It makes sense when Lawrence may not be short of contenders willing to trade for his services.
Finding an adequate replacement for Lawrence won’t be easy. Not when the 28-year-old can collapse the pass-pocket as well as any defender over the ball.
He’s the one player along Big Blue’s front seven other teams need special plans to stop, but Lawrence isn’t without fault in recent struggles defensively. Specifically, the run defense has stayed soft, surrendering a league-high 5.3 yards per carry last season, with Lawrence in the middle.
The time appears ripe for the Giants and Lawrence to part company. Provided a team like the Chargers is willing to cough up first-round value in exchange.
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