Should the Rams Trade for Dexter Lawrence?

The New York Giants’ star pass rusher, Dexter Lawrence, has requested a trade. The two-time second-team All-Pro is seeking a new trade destination, and the Los Angeles Rams could be the perfect fit.

The Rams may still be looking to add pieces to their defense, including strengthening the defensive line. After acquiring cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this offseason, the Rams could now focus their efforts on building a disruptive defensive line. While the defensive line is already filled with talented young players like Byron Young, Braden Fiske, and Jared Verse, adding a proven veteran could be the cherry on top for one of the league’s best teams.

Lawrence’s Capabilities

Lawrence had a down year last season, only recording 0.5 sacks in 17 games. That was a significant decrease from nine sacks in 2024, but Lawrence is still in his prime. He has elite size and power at 6-foot-4, 340 pounds, which helps him clog lanes and dominate in the run game. He’s a great double-team magnet who has a lot of raw strength and can be the focal point of the defensive line. He could draw attention, giving defensive linemen like Verse or Young an easier path to the quarterback.

Lawrence’s trade request is a major blow to the new John Harbaugh-led Giants, but it could allow Lawrence to contribute to a winning team. Lawrence has been a Giant since being selected 17^th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Giants don’t want to trade him, but said they will listen to offers. Lawrence said he won’t attend any workouts, but the Giants are still hopeful he returns for next season.

“I don’t know if granting a request is really the right way to say it because it doesn’t really work that way,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll see what happens.”

Lawrence’s Price

The expected price for Lawrence would likely involve the Rams’ 13th overall pick in this year’s draft, along with other picks and potential players. The Giants are a rebuilding franchise hoping to select several impact players in the 2026 Draft, and this trade could help them improve in several areas.

In 2023, Lawrence signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension with the Giants. He has two years left on his deal and is owed $20 million, with no guaranteed money. The Giants also have the option to cut Lawrence, which would result in nearly $14 million in dead cap, making that option highly unlikely.

Should the Rams Make the Trade?

The Giants’ potential high asking price might not be worth it, even if Lawrence could be the final piece of the puzzle. Les Snead and the Rams’ front office have been more aggressive this offseason, trading and signing key players. However, trading away valuable picks and players could set the team back in other areas.

The Rams already have a top-five team on paper, and subtracting any pieces would only negatively impact the team. Snead has expressed using the draft for a different purpose this year, so anything is possible.

“Our macro philosophy is, if we can use free agency to not be desperate in the draft, we more than likely will be better drafters,” Snead said.