If the potential of a Dexter Lawrence trade didn't already have the Green Bay Packers' attention, it undoubtedly should now.
Lawrence has reportedly requested a trade and will not take part in the New York Giants' offseason program. Whether the Giants even consider moving on from their Pro Bowl defensive tackle remains a big if, and far from a guarantee, but the potential asking price could be surprisingly reasonable.
According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, the "general consensus" around the league is that potential compensation may fall into the range of a "late first-round pick to second-rounder."
A Dexter Lawrence trade could be surprisingly affordable for the Packers
So, it might not take a first-round pick to land Lawrence. That's significant, considering, you know, the Packers don't own a first-round pick for the next two years, while their 2028 first-rounder remains untradable.
Picking at No. 52 overall, Green Bay doesn't have an early second-round pick to offer, so it may take some sweetening to make up the gap. Perhaps a late-round pick or a player (*cough* Dontayvion Wicks?)
In any case, that would still be a price worth paying for the Packers.
It would mean they'd enter the 2026 NFL Draft without a pick until the third round at No. 84 overall, but that's hardly a problem when you can turn your top two selections into Micah Parsons and Dexter Lawrence.
Lawrence is a game-changing defensive tackle and would also fix a major need for the Packers. There's a solid chance they'll use their second-rounder on a nose tackle, regardless, so why not swing for the fences and land a Pro Bowler at the position?
While Lawrence finished 2025 with only half a sack, he recorded 21 sacks over the previous three seasons, along with an incredible 65 quarterback hits and 22 tackles for loss. That's not easy when consistently facing double teams at defensive tackle.
Again, it all remains a big if. The Giants don't want to give him up, and even if they answer the phone, the Packers undoubtedly won't be the only team calling.
But if Raanan (and the "general consensus" around the league) is correct, then the Packers should make an offer. Even if that means including a future Day 3 pick or a player to sweeten the deal, so be it. Adding Lawrence to the defensive line alongside Parsons, Javon Hargrave, and Devonte Wyatt would give the Packers a significant upgrade from last season.
It would be an all-in move, and the Packers could fix arguably their biggest need without needing to part ways with a first-round pick.
That should have Brian Gutekunst's attention.