The Detroit Lions defense is still led by standout pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but the team may explore adding more impact players on that side of the ball to strengthen the unit around him.

A recent report from ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that Dexter Lawrence, an All-Pro defensive tackle for the New York Giants, has asked the team to trade him and will not participate in the organization’s offseason workout program.

Schefter shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Lawrence and the Giants have spent the last two offseasons trying to negotiate a new deal that better reflects his performance over the past few years. However, according to sources, those negotiations have stalled and no meaningful progress has been made.

Lawrence is currently in the middle of a four-year, $87 million contract and still has two seasons remaining on that agreement. Reports suggest he believes his next contract should carry a significantly higher annual value. According to Connor Hughes of SNY, Lawrence’s next deal could fall somewhere between $30 million and $35 million per year.

Hughes noted that while a slight drop in production might make it difficult for Lawrence to completely reset the defensive tackle market, one source expects him to pursue roughly $30 million annually. Another executive suggested that, due to the NFL’s rising salary cap, a deal closer to $35 million per season could also be possible.

If Lawrence does become available, numerous teams are likely to show interest in acquiring him. One potential suitor could be the Lions.

According to Chris Landers of FanSided, Detroit could greatly benefit from adding a player like Lawrence to its defensive front. His presence could help compensate for the injury concerns surrounding Alim McNeill and the inconsistent pass-rush impact from Tyliek Williams.

Landers suggested that although trading for Lawrence would likely require giving up valuable draft picks, the Lions may need to take bold steps while their current competitive window remains open. Detroit has been searching for a reliable pass rusher to complement Hutchinson on the edge, but strengthening the interior defensive line could also make a major difference.

A dominant interior defender like Lawrence would demand significant attention from opposing offensive lines, potentially freeing Hutchinson to generate more pressure on quarterbacks.

Of course, the cost could be steep. A deal might require Detroit to part with high draft selections, possibly including picks in the second or third rounds. Still, Landers argued that acquiring a proven defensive star could be the type of aggressive move needed if general manager Brad Holmes hopes to maximize the team’s championship opportunity.

The Lions finished the 2025 season with a 9–8 record but still fell short of the playoffs. They were also overtaken in the NFC North standings by the rival Chicago Bears, ending Detroit’s postseason streak that began in 2023.

Although adding a player of Lawrence’s caliber would require a significant investment, the move could ultimately provide the defensive boost Detroit needs to push deeper into contention and potentially bring its first Super Bowl title to the franchise.