New York Giants $60M star defensive tackle strongly linked to Ben Johnson’s Chicago Bears amid several trade rumors (Image via Getty: Ben Johnson and New York Giants logo)
As soon as New York Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence requested a trade, several analysts quickly paired him with several franchises. One of them was repeatedly targeted: the Chicago Bears.Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport suggests an interesting trade package for the two teams: Chicago receives Lawrence, and New York receives a 2026 fourth-round pick and a conditional 2027 third-round pick.The Bears turned their season around last year [from 5-12 in 2024 to 11-6 in 2025]. But they still need help on defense. Bringing in an established veteran like the Giants star could bolster their run defense, which ranked 29th in yards per carry allowed, and their pass rush, which could only clock 35 sacks.
NFL Trade Rumors : Bears tied to Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence
As for the money matters, Davenport reports that the 28-year-old DT may be seeking a new contract. There are still two years left on his current deal with New York. He signed a four-year, $87M contract extension in 2023, which included a $22M signing bonus, $60M in guaranteed money, and a $21M average annual salary.After signing this deal, the Giants restructured his contract the very next year by converting his $10M base salary into a signing bonus.
Now this led to a future situation: he has no guaranteed money left on the final two terms of his contract [2026 and 2027].So, contract talks happened this offseason, but nothing came to fruition. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported on X that the franchise and its star player, who had been talking about a new big-money extension, have reached a stalemate [impasse].Rapoport further said that the Giants have engaged with other teams on a potential trade and will continue doing so.
Lawrence’s future franchise may be declared before the draft.By the time the draft arrives, New York may have a full understanding of the league-wide interest in their star tackle. This would give them enough time to decide on their future as well as their own.Now coming back to our topic of discussion: how does Lawrence fit into the Ben Johnson’s team? Davenport suggests that if New York could make Lawrence available at a “reasonable price point,” Chicago may be interested.
Chicago needs New York star despite James Lynch, Kentavius Street, and Neville Gallimore
Gervon Dexter may be the top DL in Chicago, but after him, there seems to be no one.A lot of money was spent on Grady Jarrett last offseason [three-year, $43.5M contract], but he turned out to be a disappointment: he recorded 3 sacks, 12 hurries, 6 hits, and 27 solo tackles in 13 games. Underproduction could be because of his age and injuries, as suggested by FanSided’s Anthony Miller.While the Bears did sign three veteran linemen: James Lynch, Kentavius Street, and Neville Gallimore, Miller reports that they are primarily solid rotational players rather than game changers.
This is where Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence comes into play.In 2025, the Clemson alum generated 34 total pressures [27 hurries and 7 hits] and earned a PFF pass-rush grade of 84.5, which ranked him 7th among 134 qualified interior defensive linemen.
ESPN analyst suggests Bears to sign Giants tackle
ESPN’s Matt Miller is proposing the Bears trade for the three-time Pro Bowler. The analyst commented on Rapoport’s X post, saying, “Bears, anyone?” Another ESPN analyst, Jeremy Fowler, said that the DL may be in favor: “What helps Lawrence’s trade value, aside from his status as a premier player, is a weaker DT draft class.
Teams that need an upgrade will likely jump on this.”The Giants have already started hunting for their nose tackle options. Heavy Sports’ Jordan J. Wilson reports that New York hosted an official free agency visit with former Detroit Lions veteran DT DJ Reader on April 13. This could be taken as a sign that the Giants may want to replace Lawrence.So, would the Bears consider trading for Dexter Lawrence? Only time will tell…
