Bears Must Act Fast After Dexter Lawrence Trade Request

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One of the league's most prominent defensive stars is on the way out.

Just this afternoon, Adam Schefter confirmed that New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade out of New York and that he will not attend offseason workouts run by the team. The decision comes as a result of multiple failed attempts at negotiating a contract.

While the Chicago Bears are currently navigating a tough cap situation, which may very well require some contract restructuring, they should nonetheless take the opportunity to acquire one of the NFL's top defensive tackles.

The Bears could need to sacrifice some roster pieces, but the trade is more straightforward than the math suggests

The key for any trade of this nature will be to offload impending free agents. As the Bears are far closer to contention than rebuilding, they can take on some longer-term contracts to widen and sustain their window. As Lawrence, who is 28 years old, is clearly looking for an extension, Chicago would be a team to consider in the simplest of terms.

If such a trade were to work, they would need to offload some impending free agents. It's too late to discuss the team's 2026 class of free agents, so it's worth turning our attention to the 2027 class.

Any trade would have to involve a replacement for Lawrence. While the Bears' 2027 free agent class doesn't include any defensive tackles as per Spotrac, Chicago could offer some defensive linemen. Kentavius Street and James Lynch would be two names to watch in this regard; clearing their contracts would free $3 million worth of cap space.

The Giants' front office is likely looking for more offensive line help after blostering rhe 31st ranked O-Line in 2025, according to fantasypoints.com. While the Giants could be more likely to address offensive line issues in the draft, Jonah Jackson and Darnell Wright would both be pieces on offer in the case New York goes down the trade route.

The Bears just acquired Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots to reinforce their trenches; considering that Bradbury brings Super Bowl experience alongside ex-Kansas City Chief Joe Thuney, the Bears might be willing to part with one of those two players. Moving Jackson would free well over $17 million in cap space for 2027, but it would more than likely require Chicago to take on a good portion of his salary. Even if the Bears moved Wright, they would still free up over $5 million.

That said, the trade may be a lot simpler than expected. According to Jordan Raanan, the Giants are asking for a pick ranging from the end of the first round to the early phase of the second round of the NFL Draft.

The Bears currently hold the 25th pick in this year's NFL Draft, which does fit the range of pick that the Giants are looking for. If that's truly the return New York is looking for, acquiring Lawrence could be as easy as a Michael Jordan lay-up.

What would an extension look like?

As per Schefter, Lawrence was looking for a contract that reflected his role in the Giants' organisation. He is set to earn a base salary of $18.5 million during the 2026 season, while his total cap hit comes to around $27 million. His most recent extension was signed after the 2022 season, when he recorded career-highs in tackes (68) and sacks (7.5, though he improved on that tally in 2024). While his numbers in 2025 have decreased since that 2022 campaign, when the Giants made it to the NFC Divisional Round, the quality of the New York Giants' performance has also dipped since that season.

Fans may bat an eye when it comes to the trend in his performance, but this is the Giants we're talking about, a team that is already famous for botching contract negotiations with key players.

If the Bears can rework some existing contracts and, if needed, clear some space for the next season or two, they can get Lawrence signed to an extension that is, at minimum, worth around what he is set to make in 2026.