Getty

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 10: (L-R) Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers embraces Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears after the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Soldier Field on January 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears may not be alone in their pursuit of one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive linemen.

In fact, one of their biggest rivals could now be standing directly in the way.

According to Adam Schefter, the Green Bay Packers are emerging as a potential landing spot for New York Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. This adds a new wrinkle to a situation that has already been heating up across the league.

“I could see the Packers in that mix, yes,” Schefter said in a radio appearance, signaling that Green Bay could be a legitimate contender if Lawrence is ultimately moved.

That development is especially notable for the Bears, who have quietly been linked to Lawrence for weeks as trade buzz continues to intensify.

Bears Viewed as Natural Fit for Lawrence

Lawrence officially requested a trade earlier this month after reaching a contract impasse with the New York Giants. 

Since then, multiple analysts have pointed to the Bears as one of the most logical destinations.

The fit is obvious.

Chicago is in win-now mode under head coach Ben Johnson and still searching for a true difference-maker along the interior defensive line. Pairing Lawrence with Gervon Dexter Sr. would immediately transform a unit that struggled against the run last season.

While the Bears have added depth pieces like Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street this offseason, none come close to matching Lawrence’s impact. At his peak, he’s one of the rare nose tackles capable of dominating both as a run defender and pass rusher.

That type of player doesn’t become available often, which is why Chicago has been viewed as a “dream destination” in league circles. 

Packers Complicate Bears’ Pursuit

Now, however, the Green Bay Packers could complicate everything.

Green Bay has its own glaring need on the interior defensive line and has shown a willingness to make aggressive moves. This aggressive approach was most evident in last year’s blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons.

Even without a first-round pick in 2026 or 2027, the Packers being mentioned by Schefter signals they are at least exploring ways to get involved.

And that’s where things get tricky for Chicago.

The Giants are reportedly seeking a first-round pick or a significant package, and the Bears are one of the few teams with the flexibility to meet that price, holding the No. 25 overall pick in the 2026 draft.

But if the Packers enter the bidding, it becomes less about logic and more about leverage.

A division rival pushing for the same elite talent could drive the price up. 

It also creates a nightmare scenario: Lawrence lands in Green Bay and becomes a twice-a-year problem. This would be the biggest disaster imaginable for the Bears.

For now, no deal is imminent.

But as the draft approaches and trade talks intensify, the Bears may find themselves not just pursuing a top target, but also competing against their heated rival.