Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Dexter Lawrence has made it known he'd like to be traded after negotiations have failed to progress with the New York Giants. Even understanding Lawrence is looking for a new deal, the New Orleans Saints should inquire about Lawrence's availability.
The financial component of the deal makes it tricky, but there's no question the Saints would greatly benefit from the trade. They traded for Davon Godchaux last offseason. It didn't have the intended impact, but the need is still the same. The Saints need a nose tackle to eat up space on the front line. It's something they're missing on the team and Lawrence could provide it.
Last season wasn't his best showing as a pass rusher, but you don't have to look to far to find success in that department. Lawerence had 9 sacks in 2024. The kicker is he only played 12 games. You want a space eater, but Lawrence provides you with that and a little bit more upside.
Giants have already set a precedence for how much the Saints may have to give up
Saints receive: DT Dexter Lawrence
Giants receive: Saints second round pick (42), Saints fifth round pick (150)
Who says no? History would suggest the Giants won't. That's the exact trade they made with the Seattle Seahawks to send Leonard Williams to the Pacific Northwest. This is a similar situation, so it would make sense to use this as a blueprint of sorts.
When looking at the position, the Williams trade is also the best comparison to make. Quinnen Williams was involved in a trade that included other players. For Williams, it picks for player. Removing packages make it much easier to lay out what a deal could look like.
Coming off a down year, the Saints could try to lower the compensation. Instead of a second round pick, they could start negotiations off with a third up top. We're talking about a player in Lawrence, though, that was in the conversation with the best at the positions a year ago. It would be worth the gamble. If a 2 and a 5 gets it done, then the only conversation should be if the Saints are willing to make Lawrence the highest paid at the position, because that's likely what he's looking for.