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“Best defense in history” “Makes zero sense”: NFL fans split as Browns reportedly explore blockbuster trade for $87,500,000 star


The Cleveland Browns have reportedly reached out to the New York Giants in an effort to acquire veteran defender Dexter Lawrence. The defensive tackle, who signed a four-year deal worth $87.5 million in 2023, requested a trade a few weeks ago, placing his future in New York under significant doubt.

According to Jared Mueller and Josh Taylor, the Browns are offering their second-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft in exchange for the three-time Pro Bowler. It is said that the offer from Cleveland is the best the Giants have received for their experienced nose tackle.

The Giants are, however, not resigned to losing Dexter Lawrence, who has been the bedrock of their defense over the last couple of years. In an exclusive interview with Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, John Harbaugh noted the team is doing its best to keep the tackle.

“We are working together to get the best outcome for the Giants team,“ Harbaugh said. “We also respect Dexter fully as a person and player and want him to be happy. We are doing everything we can, as best we can, as responsibly as we can.”

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Dexter Lawrence’s potential move to the Browns has generated a lot of reactions among NFL fans. Despite their underperformance last season, the Browns had one of the best defenses in the league. Adding Lawrence to the mix will make them become more unstoppable.

Here’s a look at some of the reactions online:

@SleeperBrowns @JaredKMueller @JoshTaylorFB @SleeperNFL @SleeperGiants They’ll have the best defense in history if they pull that off

@SleeperBrowns @JaredKMueller @JoshTaylorFB @SleeperNFL @SleeperGiants This makes about zero sense. So many other needs.

@SleeperBrowns @JaredKMueller @JoshTaylorFB @SleeperNFL @SleeperGiants Getting Lawrence for a 2nd, trading down with the Cowboys and getting Jordyn Tyson at #12, Monroe Freeling at #20 and Aveion Terrell at #24 would be insane.

@SleeperBrowns @JaredKMueller @JoshTaylorFB @SleeperNFL @SleeperGiants Would take a 2nd and Mason graham lol. Where do they come up with this?

@SleeperBrowns @JaredKMueller @JoshTaylorFB @SleeperNFL @SleeperGiants Need your pick 24 please. And a 2nd. Appreciate it

@SleeperBrowns @JaredKMueller @JoshTaylorFB @SleeperNFL @SleeperGiants Every team in the league is interested in offering a 2nd for him inherently lollolololol what even is this commentary

Analyst details Dexter Lawrence’s contract situation

As contract talks continue between the Giants and Dexter Lawrence’s agent, Joel Segal, Paul Schwartz details the situation in his report on Friday. He noted that Lawrence wants significantly more than the $19.5 million he’s set to earn in his final two seasons with the Giants.

“This is strictly about money,” Schwartz wrote. “Lawrence, who turns 29 in November, could see this as his last opportunity to cash in with a lucrative new deal. Jordan Davis of the Eagles and Milton Williams of the Patriots both average $26 million per year.

“Lawrence cannot accept that he is far below those two players. The Giants are willing to add guaranteed money into an extension, but Lawrence’s asking price might turn out to be exorbitant. The player, supported by his family, is drawing a line in the sand.”

Dexter Lawrence is believed to be looking to sign a deal that takes him closer to Kansas City Chiefs Chris Jones, who is the highest-paid tackle in the NFL. Jones’ current contract, worth $158.75 million over five years, which he signed in 2024, has an average annual value of $31.75 million.