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Dexter Lawrence named top trade target for Texans ahead of NFL draft
TL;DR
The Houston Texans are being suggested as potential trade targets for New York Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence ahead of the NFL draft. The proposed trade would involve the Texans offering a 2026 first-round pick and a second-round pick to secure Lawrence's talents.
Could the Houston Texans go all-in on New York Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence before the NFL draft to give their defense a perhaps legendary-like persona?
One publication isn't ruling out the possibility with just over 10 days remaining before Thursday's Round 1 rolls around.
Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports recently revealed one player every team should trade for ahead of the draft rather than using an early Day 1 or Day 2 pick. For the Texans, he chose Lawrence, largely because Houston needs stability at its interior defensive line spot.
In net return for the Giants? A 2026 first-round pick (No. 28) and the lower of the team's two second-round picks (No. 59)
"The 28-year-old Lawrence wants out of New York as well as a new contract, but his leverage is low after a lackluster season in 2025," Vacchiano wrote. "He’s only one year removed from a nine-sack Pro Bowl campaign, though, and the Texans need reinforcements inside to complement their dynamic duo on the edge (Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter).
Houston would be counting on the 6-foot-2, 345-pound Lawrence to regain his old form in a better environment, and it'd also likely have to extend his contract. He could make one of the NFL’s best defenses impenetrable. Of course, that’s if the Giants decide to trade him, rather than pay him more."
The Texans are mulling over their draft options entering Thursday night. Offensive line remains a priority, but given that Houston has been bargain bin shopping for defensive tackles over the past three seasons, getting a bonafide stud long-term could rank higher for general manager Nick Caserio.
That doesn't mean Houston must go after the first young prospect to fix the position. Lawrence, who is under contract through 2027, would provide depth and a much-welcomed spark in the interior pass rush while shoring up the run support.
Asking price is likely the only thing holding this deal back. Not only would it be a hefty deal to land the defender, but he wants a new contract with the next team the second he touches down on the tarmac. For Houston, getting All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. remains the only deal in the works, making an extension with Lawrence non-feasible until at least next offseason.
Would the Texans, who are looking to build through the draft, give up that much draft compensation to take an aging but dominant defensive lineman? It seems unlikely on paper.
Then again, nothing is ever off the table with Caserio and Day 1 of the draft.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Dexter Lawrence named top trade target for Texans ahead of NFL draft
Q&A
What trade is being proposed for Dexter Lawrence before the NFL draft?
The proposed trade involves the Houston Texans offering a 2026 first-round pick and their lower second-round pick to acquire Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants.
Why do the Texans want to trade for Dexter Lawrence?
The Texans are looking to strengthen their interior defensive line and believe that acquiring Lawrence would provide much-needed stability and enhance their defense.
When is the NFL draft taking place that could affect this trade?
The NFL draft is scheduled to take place in just over 10 days from the time of the report, specifically on Thursday of that week.
