Amid the ongoing rumors connecting the Patriots to a trade for Eagles' wide receiver AJ Brown, there was some speculation that the higher-ups could entertain a move for a defensive player that their roster desperately needs. Because the Giants were said to be shopping two of their top defenders, there were some analysts believing the Patriots could get on the phone about a deal.
The top name was defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, who was looking for an extension in New York, only to come to an impasse and has now been traded to the Bengals.
The three-time Pro Bowler was someone Patriots fans had their eye on over the past week, mostly because he would be an impressive addition to their current top-10 defense, only to see that they were likely never in the conversation for a trade based on what the Bengals gave up to acquire him.
A trade became official this past weekend, with the AFC contender sending their No. 10 overall pick to the Giants for Lawrence. If that was the asking price, which had long been rumored, it's a good thing the Patriots never got into a serious discussion.
It’s a 1-year, $28M extension for Dexter Lawrence, per @WinSportsGroup. https://t.co/lXMZXPaJdx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2026
At the same time, it proves they likely wouldn't have won a trade battle, anyway, since they aren't on the clock until pick No. 31. Clearly, the Giants wanted better value than that for the 28-year-old.
Now, the Patriots will have to focus on getting their new defensive superstar in the draft instead.
Missing out on a trade for Dexter Lawrence is not a bad thing for the Patriots
In the months leading up to the draft, the Patriots have been connected to several players, but most analysts project they will take a pass rusher with their first-round pick. Because the incoming class is considered deep, they could still get a top talent at No. 31, and based on their free-agent moves, it seems fair to assume that will be their direction.
There was a chance, though, that they would choose to bring in a trusted veteran for the role instead of, or in addition to, which would put them in the conversation for some of the biggest names on the trade market this offseason, most notably Maxx Crosby.
Because no deal came to fruition, it's clear they will look to find the right player in the draft, and probably in the first round.
The team is connected to a number of the best at the position, and, fortunately, despite their late pick, they should still get a playmaker at the end of the first, or even if they trade up a few spots to get someone they specifically like.
It would have been ideal to get a veteran for that role, maybe even someone like Lawrence, but using that draft capital on players who can be around longer and develop into the kind of player they want for their defensive style makes a lot more sense at this stage of their rebuild.
Add us as a preferred source on Google