Just over a month into the free agency period, it’s been a busy offseason for the Chicago Bears. While they’ve lost some of the players that helped them win a division title last year, they also have been diligent in looking to shore up their weaknesses and make a deeper run into the playoffs in 2026.
That process will continue as the 2026 draft approaches later this month. Fans may not have to wait until then to see meaningful additions, though, as general manager Ryan Poles may have already found a better opportunity to help his team take the next step. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, New York Giants star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has asked for a trade.
The report adds that the Giants and Lawrence have “been through two offseasons attempting to negotiate a contract reflecting his value to the Giants over the last three years, but there has not been any progress,” according to his source. Schefter also noted that Lawrence “has two years remaining on his deal and is currently scheduled to make $20 million this season,” making him a potential blockbuster trade candidate in the weeks leading up to the draft.
While Lawrence’s angst is a blow to start John Harbaugh’s tenure in New York, it is also music to the Bears’ ears, who could address one of their biggest weaknesses with a former All-Pro.
Bears Should Get on the Phone Immediately to Bring Dexter Lawrence to Chicago
The Bears had a disappointing year in the middle of their defensive line, as many of their additions didn’t work out as hoped. Grady Jarrett’s three-year, $43.5 million contract in free agency looked like a massive overpay after he managed 39 total tackles, one tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 23 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. While Jarrett will be back, it could be his last season in Chicago if it doesn’t shape up, making Lawrence a logical replacement.
Second-round pick Shemar Turner also had a rough acclimation to the NFL due to injuries, failing to register a single pressure on 34 pass-rushing snaps and producing an overall grade of 34.4 on 74 total snaps before tearing his ACL. While Gervon Dexter managed career highs in pressures (43) and sacks (6.0), he was almost non-existent against the run with 22 stops and a 13.7 percent missed tackle rate.
The collective failures of the group led Chicago to say goodbye to Andrew Billings and load up on depth signings this offseason, including Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch. But none of those additions would be as impactful as adding Lawrence.
The question is how much teams will be willing to give up in a deal. Lawrence has established himself as one of the best interior pass-rushers in the league, logging 30.5 sacks over seven seasons, including a career-high nine sacks in 2024. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Second-Team All-Pro selection, but also had a rough 2025 campaign after logging 31 total tackles and four tackles for loss with 0.5 sacks, due to a nagging elbow injury.
SNY’s Connor Hughes also added that a potential price for Lawrence could be similar to what the Dallas Cowboys gave up to acquire Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets at last year’s trade deadline. Specifically mentioning a late-2026 first-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and second- and fifth-round picks as “some of the numbers he’s heard from teams.”
Dexter Lawrence’s Price Could Be Key Holdup in Potential Bears Trade
With Lawrence set to turn 29 in November and the Giants a year or two away from winning, New York may view trading him as a better solution than giving him the contract he wants. But a team like the Bears could have the same concerns that Hughes pointed out with a player who could command a new contract averaging $35 million per season.
“No consensus on what his value is,” Hughes added. “It’s difficult to determine because…you’ve seen complete dominance…then questions in 2025 on work ethic/shape/drop in production. The need for a new contract, likely one near $35 million APY, muddies the waters.”
The Bears have four picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft after acquiring the No. 60 overall pick in the trade that sent DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. Chicago is also a team poised to contend in the NFC North again, and acquiring Lawrence in a blockbuster trade could be a move that helps them ensure a dropoff doesn’t happen in 2026.
While trade rumors involving Dexter were shot down by reporting from the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs, Lawrence could be the opportunity that would make the Bears relent and slip him into a deal with some draft capital as a sweetener.
Line it all up, and Lawrence’s trade demand should have the Bears attention. Only time will tell if they pick up the phone and find a way to make a deal happen, though.