The Micah Parsons trade taught us that there is no dream too big. Now, Adam Schefter has given us a reason to believe again.
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence wants out of New York, and given the Green Bay Packers' desperate need at the position, many connected the dots. Initial reporting on the potential asking price offered hope that it wouldn't cost a first-rounder (which the Packers don't have), and now Schefter has provided even more reason for optimism.
Appearing on ESPN Milwaukee, Schefter said that he believes the Packers could be among the interested teams. Not only that, but the asking price could be far more reasonable than many assumed.
"I could see the Packers in that mix," said Schefter.
"My guess is a two and a five," he added. "That's my sense of what it would take. I don't know that it's right. I had somebody suggest to me, 'Oh, they think it would be a first-round pick.' I don't know that anybody is trading a first-round pick for a 28-year-old defensive tackle who wants more money who is coming off, by his standards, a down year. I don't see that."
A Packers trade for Dexter Lawrence sounds more realistic than ever
The Packers have an additional fifth-round pick after trading Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles. No problems there.
Would they consider sending their second-rounder to the Giants? Remember, the No. 52 selection will be the Packers' first pick in this year's draft, as their first-rounder belongs to the Dallas Cowboys after the Parsons trade.
It would put Green Bay well and truly in the "F them picks" mindset, and that's totally fine. This team is all in. You don't trade multiple first-rounders for a pass-rusher just to maintain the status quo. It's a move designed to accelerate a Super Bowl window. The Packers are paying top-of-the-market money to Parsons and quarterback Jordan Love. The chips are all the way in.
Good luck finding a rookie capable of making the immediate impact that Lawrence could. Sure, you might find a long-term piece to build around, but even that's no guarantee in the lottery that is the NFL Draft.
Lawrence is the real deal. While he's coming off a disappointing season by his three-time Pro Bowl standards, he is only a year removed from registering nine sacks in 12 games.
Green Bay's defense is crying out for a capable nose tackle. Lawrence is one of the league's best in that role, and he'd form a formidable trio alongside Javon Hargrave and Devonte Wyatt.
A two and a five? That works.
Only time will tell whether Brian Gutekunst can pull off another stunning deal, but Schefter believes the Packers could be in the mix. The dream is well and truly alive.
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