Chargers Could Sign Trade for All-Pro Dexter Lawrence

With star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence requesting a trade from the New York Giants, he could find a new home on the West Coast.

Kevin Patra, senior news writer for NFL.com, listed the Los Angeles Chargers among the possible landing spots for Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro.

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Patra highlighted the Harbaugh connection — Jim coaches the Chargers, John is the new coach of the Giants — when making his case.

“If John Harbaugh can’t keep Lawrence, maybe he’d ship the defensive tackle to his brother, Jim, in L.A.,” Patra said. “The Chargers don’t have many draft assets to spend, but they have enough cap space to pay Lawrence the contract he seeks. L.A. could use a penetrator in the middle of the defense next to Teair Tart. Pairing Lawrence with Tart, Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack would be frightening for offenses. The Chargers have mostly taken a conservative approach this offseason. A splash trade for Lawrence would be a resounding statement heading into Harbaugh’s third season after back-to-back one-and-done playoff appearances.”

Could the Chargers Actually Get Dexter Lawrence?

While it’s definitely possible for the Chargers, they’ll face stiff competition in trying to cut a deal for Lawrence.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle they’ll face is the Giants themselves, who Patra said would be foolish to lose.

“The compensation the Giants would be in line to garner at this point wouldn’t be worth gutting the interior of their new defense,” he wrote. “Outside of a team blowing them away with a trade offer, New York isn’t going to get the requisite return for trading one of its best players.”