If Anywhere Close to True, The Vikings Would be Stupid Not to Jump In
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is officially in the mix as a trade candidate. He’s not pleased with how things are going as a Giant, leading to his desire to find a new place of employment. The Vikings, like 30 other NFL teams, should be expressing interest.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter offered the news: “ESPN sources: Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade and he will not be participating in the team’s off-season workout program that opens Tuesday. Lawrence and the Giants have been through two off seasons attempting to negotiate a contract reflecting his value to the Giants over the last three years, but there has not been any progress, per sources.”
Since then, there has been some furious scribblings about his fit in Minnesota. Is the cost anywhere close to realistic for a Vikings team in transition? It is if a certain update proves accurate.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan did some digging. Apparently, there’s a belief that a team isn’t going to sell the farm to bring him in, instead parting ways with a singular pick. Raanan’s intel: “Asked around the league and the general consensus appears to be that IF the Giants were willing to trade Dexter Lawrence the return would be in the range of late first-round pick to second-rounder.”
The Vikings Need to Call NYG about Dexter Lawrence
Admittedly, the Vikings have a deficit of young talent. Shipping out a precious draft pick just as the team is about to make use the pick is difficult to stomach in Minnesota.
What’s also true is that the Vikings need elite talent.
At the top of the roster is WR1 Justin Jefferson, who is soon to arrive at his 27th birthday. Next up for game-changing talent are LT1 Christian Darrisaw (26) and EDGE1/2 Andrew Van Ginkel (30). Highlighting these players demonstrates two things: adding another feared player would be beneficial and Minnesota’s most promising players are ready to win immediately.
Even after moving on from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings are sorting through the strange (wise?) reality that he pursued. All at once, Minnesota’s ambition is to compete in 2026 while still planning for the future.
Proceeding with some caution as it relates to Lawrence would be prudent. He’s a defensive lineman who is excellent but who is 28 and who is searching for a well-earned raised. What needs to be remembered is that d-linemen often shine as they climb into their 30s.
On The Athletic, a collection of authors — Dan Duggan, Charlotte Carroll, and Dianna Russini — speculate about trade price: “At last season’s trade deadline, the New York Jets dealt star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The asking price for Lawrence could be even higher.”
If the compensation rises to a Quinnen Williams level, the Vikings need to look elsewhere for d-line help. Shipping out a 1st, 2nd, a promising young d-lineman, and then handing over a meaty extension is too much for a Vikings team that’s still pretty far from a Super Bowl.
If, however, the cost is a late-1st or a 2nd, then the Vikings would be remarkably foolish not to make some phone calls. Stupid, even.
Inserting Dexter Lawrence into the mix would change the defense in a profound manner. Combined with the ascending Jalen Redmond, Lawrence would collapse pockets with regularity. Brian Flores isn’t likely to entirely forfeit the blitz, but he could become more unpredictable since a pass-rush foursome consisting of Lawrence, Redmond, Van Ginkel, and Jonathan Greenard would be too much for an o-line to corral.
Assuming a trade does materialize, keep in mind that whichever team brings Lawrence aboard would be absorbing $20 million in 2026 and $19.5 million in 2027 (Spotrac). The Vikings, in other words, would need to massage the money. Essentially, back load the cap charges while giving Lawrence the raise he desires and deserves.
Sitting on No. 18 and No. 49, Minnesota is in an imperfect spot for a trade if the Raanan report is accurate. The 18th selection may be too rich while the 49th isn’t enough, leading to some mystery about arriving at a Goldilocks solution that’s just right. A solution could be found if the move is to send over a 2027 selection. Or, quite possibly, by packaging picks all in 2026.
Calling to find out about a workable solution is well worth the time and effort. Quite possibly, shipping out a precious draft pick while then performing surgery on the salary cap would be worth it, too.
Dexter Lawrence is listed at 6’4″ and 340 pounds. His nickname is Sexy Dexy, a moniker that belongs in the Hall of Fame .
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