The Jaguars' Next Blockbuster Opportunity Just Became Evident

Dexter Lawrence Trade

Any blockbuster trade by the Jaguars for any player will always be complicated by the fact the Jaguars do not have a first-round pick due to the Travis Hunter trade. Without a pick until No. 56 overall, the Jaguars could be at a disadvantage if there are other teams willing to send a first-round pick this year.

With that said, the Jaguars do have 11 draft picks overall. If Jaguars general manager James Gladstone feels like he can make a deal without a first-round pick work, then he has plenty of 2026 and eventually 2027 picks to work with. While the Jaguars do not officially have three extra picks next year as a result of compensatory picks, they are surely expected to land them and have 10 picks for 2027 to work with as well.

Lawrence, who does not turn 29 until November, would give the Jaguars a true blue-chip player in the middle of their defense. A defensive front with Lawrence, Josh Hines-Allen, and Travon Walker on it would likely impose its will week in and week out. Just imagine the No. 1-ranked run defense in the NFL adding arguably the best run-defender of a generation.

While Lawrence does not have many sacks on his 2025 tape, he is just one year removed from a nine-sack season and he has proven to be a top pass-rusher as a nose tackle. He is an elite player, and he is the kind of addition that would make the Jaguars contenders.

He is of course due for big money, and trading for him would likely mean having to part ways with either Arik Armstead or DaVon Hamilton. But Lawrence is exactly the type of swing that Gladstone and Jaguars head coach Liam Coen should be prepared to take.

Teams may line up to offer first-round picks for Lawrence in the coming weeks. But if they do not, then the Jaguars shouldn't hesitate to pick up a phone and see what they can do for the Giants and general manager Joe Schoen.