The Buffalo Bills have been urged to pursue a trade for New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence before the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, a prominent Bills analyst is drawing a direct comparison to one of last season’s most stunning deadline deals.
Joe Marino, host of the Locked On Bills podcast, made the case on his April 15 episode for Buffalo to go all-in on a Lawrence trade, calling it a win-now move that could transform the Bills’ defensive front. Lawrence has formally requested a trade after extension talks with the Giants fell apart. The two sides are roughly $10 million per year apart, per Pro Football Rumors. Lawrence is seeking around $30 million annually. New York has reportedly offered closer to $20 million.
Marino outlined three central arguments: Lawrence fills a massive need on Buffalo’s defensive front; the Bills can create the necessary cap space; and strong personal ties between Giants GM Joe Schoen and Bills GM Brandon Beane make a deal easier to execute.
“I would be pursuing a trade for Dexter Lawrence,” Marino said.
Bills Could Model Deal on Quinnen Williams Trade
Marino pointed to the Jets-Cowboys deadline deal last year as the best comparison for a Lawrence trade. As recounted by CBS Sports, Dallas sent a 2027 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to New York for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams last November. Lawrence, 28, is a year older than Williams was at the time, and Marino noted that Lawrence’s salary demands — unlike Williams, who was not seeking a raise — might marginally lower his trade price.
The Giants have been seeking a first-round pick in return, according to Pro Football Rumors. Marino believes Buffalo’s 26th overall pick, plus a midround selection or a young player such as receiver Keon Coleman or running back Ray Davis, could close the deal.
“If it’s 26 and something, that’s going to be tough to resist,” Marino said.
On the cap side, restructuring the contract of left tackle Dion Dawkins could free up roughly $11.4 million, according to Marino. That’s enough, combined with existing space, to absorb Lawrence’s current deal and work toward a new extension.
Lawrence Among NFL’s Best Defensive Tackles
Lawrence, who turns 29 in December, carries a four-year, $90 million deal with two years remaining. At 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, he is widely regarded as one of the premier nose tackles in the league — not just a space-eater but a two-way force against the run and the pass. He logged at least 67% of defensive snaps in each healthy season, per Pro Football Reference.
Before a season-ending elbow injury on Thanksgiving Day 2024 against the Cowboys, he had nine sacks in just 12 games — tops among all defensive tackles, per The Athletic.
He has been recognized by his Wake Forest, North Carolina, community, per HighSchoolOT.com, as one of the region’s most celebrated athletes.
Marino acknowledged the risks. Giving up a first-rounder is never without cost, and Lawrence managed just half a sack in 2025 after his return from injury. But Marino’s bottom line was unambiguous.
“With the 26th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select Dexter Lawrence,” he said. “You could draft someone and hope he eventually becomes Dexter Lawrence, or you can just go get the real thing right now.”
Bills Urged to Make Trade For Dexter Lawrence in Quinnen Williams Style Deal