Could the Cleveland Browns Trade for a Two-Time All-Pro Defensive Tackle?
With less than a week until the 2026 NFL Draft, a new rumor has picked up steam among Cleveland Browns fans on Saturday morning. Independent reporter Josh Taylor, formerly of Bleacher Report, posted on X that sources told him the Browns were looking to finalize a deal to acquire defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants. Lawrence is currently on the market after requesting a trade due to the fact that he and the Giants are in a quagmire over contract negotiations. Although Cleveland may seem like an out-of-the-box option for Lawrence to land, general manager Andrew Berry has the resources to make a deal.
Coming into the league in 2019, the former Clemson Tiger has been a game wrecker every year since. For his career, Lawrence has amassed 341 combined tackles, over 30 sacks, and five forced fumbles. From 2022 to 2024, the 28-year-old made three consecutive Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams, and anchored the Giants' defense en route to an NFC Divisional Round appearance in 2022. Last season saw a slight decrease in his stats, as Lawrence only recorded 31 combined tackles and a career low in sacks. However, despite dull performances in 2025, Lawrence is an all-world defender when healthy. If the Giants were to trade him, New York would likely demand a large haul for a player who would be a phenomenal piece looking to contend in 2026. New York’s 2022 campaign was the only time the Giants made the playoffs in Lawrence’s seven-year career, and he’s more than deserving of a Super Bowl ring.
Although they aren’t the first team that comes to mind when it comes to a championship contender in 2026, all signs point to the Browns trying to break through their stretch of just eight wins in two seasons. Newly hired head coach Todd Monken has already told reporters his intentions of bringing Cleveland out of a stretch of poor quality football, and adding a player of Lawrence’s quality would do just that. Last season, Mason Graham burst onto the scene and had a tremendous rookie campaign as the Browns’ primary defensive tackle. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg is set to run an attack-style scheme in his first year as Cleveland’s defensive play-caller, meaning “Sexy Dexy” would fit right in next to the young and promising Graham. In terms of what would be needed to meet New York’s asking price, the Browns could send over the 39th pick in this year’s draft, in addition to a future second and third pick. At the end of the day, most rumors are baseless and commonly fall under pipe dreams from fans. The idea of Lawrence getting sent over to Cleveland likely will head into the latter category, but if Berry and Monken really are serious about bringing the Browns to the playoffs for the third time this decade, then the pieces are there to make a big swing for Lawrence.
