The San Francisco 49ers have basically no idea how the 2026 NFL Draft board will look while they're on the clock with the No. 27 pick. In an ideal world, one of the top receivers or offensive tackles falls into their lap, but betting on anything to go the 49ers' way in the NFL Draft could be wishful thinking.
Even though the Niners have several holes on the roster to fill, John Lynch is in a position where he does not have to make this pick if he's not comfortable with the talent available. San Francisco can easily trade out of the first round and maintain value, or part with the 27th pick in a deal for a player.
And as far as blockbuster trades go, the 49ers have the perfect opportunity on their hands. Star DT Dexter Lawrence II requested a trade from the New York Giants a few weeks back as he holds out for a new contract, but it's starting to look increasingly likely that he is dealt before the 2026 draft starts.
The New York Post's Ryan Dunleavy reported that Lawrence's trade request has spiraled from a leverage play in extension talks to a genuine request. He wants out, and it's starting to appear as though that he'll never play for the Giants again--opening the door for Lynch to make a splash.
The San Francisco 49ers better try their hand at trading for Dexter Lawrence II
"His time with the Giants is over", a source told Schwartz. Now the only question that remains is where he'll end up and what he'll net New York in a trade. The 28-year-old had a down year in 2025, but is still one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL. He's an elite run defender and an elite pass rusher.
The 49ers have suffered at DT ever since Arik Armstead was cut, and Lawrence is an upgrade over an Armstead reunion. Just imagine a defensive line that has Lawrence cologging the middle, with the three-time Pro Bowler playing with Nick Bosa, Osa Odighizuwa, and Mykel Williams. Sheesh.
San Francisco just acquired Odighizuwa, but since he has defensive line versatility, his acquisition won't end the Niners' pursuit of Lawrence. If anything, trading for Sexy Dexy would be worse for 2025 second-rounder Alfred Collins, as he'd lose his job as the starting nose tackle job or just be involved in the trade.
The caveat that comes with acquiring Lawrence is that it'll require an extension that'll likely be north of $35 million annually. Before paying their 2026 draft class, the 49ers have a little under $30 million in cap space, which means they'll likely be closer to the $20 million benchmark after the NFL Draft.
Since Joe Schoen has basically no leverage in trade talks, the 49ers may not be forced to give up pick 27 for him either. The Giants are going to ask for a first-round pick for Lawrence, but a second-round price tag is more likely, so if they can deal Collins and pick 58 in a potential trade, sign me up.
The finances still make the idea of a Lawrence trade pretty unlikely, but since he's under contract with the Giants for two more years, extending him isn't an immediate priority despite his complaints. So they're able to get past that hurdle, he would be a phenomenal addition to a talented defensive line.
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