Texans trade rumor reveals possibility of Dexter Lawrence trade with Giants

As soon as news broke that New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence had requested a trade, the Houston Texans were immediately speculated about as a potential landing spot.

Lawrence has demanded a trade because of his desire for a new contract. The two sides have been unable to hammer something out in recent years and Lawrence doesn't have any guaranteed money left on his current deal.

"Lawrence and the Giants have been through two off seasons attempting to negotiate a contract reflecting his value to the Giants over the last three years, but there has not been any progress, per sources," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.

While he believes Lawrence will remain in New York, head coach John Harbaugh isn't ruling anything out and even stated that "everyone is tradable," which further leaves the door open for Lawrence to get dealt.

Talk about the rich getting richer, the Texans would have an all-time defense if they were able to land Lawrence in a trade. After all, Houston's unit is already elite and Lawrence is one of the best interior defenders in the NFL, if not the best.

But is it realistic to expect the Texans could make a blockbuster trade for the three-time Pro Bowler? Here's what one Texans beat reporter is hearing.

Texans unlikely to trade for Dexter Lawrence

According to Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com, a Lawrence trade remains unlikely for Houston.

Wilson points to Lawrence's need for a new contract and the draft capital needed to acquire the star defender as reasons why the Texans won't be players for him.

It also doesn't help that the Texans have to pay Will Anderson a boatload of money soon.

"Dexter Lawrence will be expensive on two fronts: contract expectations-market value and draft capital in a potential trade from Giants," Wilson explained. "Great player, but doubt highly that Texans will be involved. Especially with what Will Anderson Jr., monster deal will cost."

Texans' cap space outlook

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Houston's cap space outlook isn't great in the short term, so that certainly plays a part in the team's ability to make a trade for Lawrence.

As thing stand now, the Texans have $15.3 million in cap space, per Over The Cap, and they still have to ink their draft picks with some of that money.

Looking ahead to 2027, Houston is projected to have just $59 million in space with 33 players under contract.

Things get better in 2028 and beyond, but bear in mind the Texans have big extensions coming up, with Anderson being among them.

As fun as it would be to add Lawrence to an already ridiculously talented defense, it probably isn't in the cards for Houston.

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