James Gladstone Reveals No Interest in One Big Move

The Jacksonville Jaguars general manager is holding his cards close to his chest when it comes to one move.

Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone talked about the upcoming NFL Draft during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of potential moves they can make over the next several months.

But for right now, general manager James Gladstone is giving out no previews or tips: especially when it comes to one blockbuster option.

Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Gladstone on Dexter Lawrence

Gladstone was asked directly about New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence during pre-draft comments on Thursday, and the usually transparent Gladstone was quick to dismiss it.

"That's not something we've gone into. Obviously, he's under contract with them, so not at liberty necessarily to even talk about it," Gladstone said.

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone speaks during a press conference at the Miller Electric Center, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It clearly is not a surprise to see Gladstone sidestep this question. General managers and coaches can not talk about players under contract for another team other than the context of "hey, this guy we are playing this week is pretty good!"

For Gladstone to break from that rule would have been much more shocking than him stating the Jaguars currently have no interest. Lawrence requested a trade from the New York Giants just a few days ago, and Gladstone and other general managers could view this as a posturing period in which Lawrence is asking for an out to secure a new contract with the Giants.

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) gestures during a Thursday Night Football game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Oct. 9, 2025. | Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Gladstone wasn't openly saying the Jaguars were going to trade for Jakobi Meyers or Travis Hunter, either. Though there is reason to believe the Jaguars would potentially not be candidates for a Lawrence trade, namely their cap situation and lack of a first-round pick, Gladstone's comments alone do not give any reason to rule it out.

Still, it feels more likely that Lawrence plays for the Giants next year than anyone. But as John Harbaugh said, everyone is tradeable -- even you reading this. If Gladstone could get a conditional 7th for me, I am sure he would.

Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

With that said, there are other reasons why a Lawrence trade would make sense for the Jaguars. The Jaguars badly need to address their defensive tackle spot and interior pass-rush if they want to make a real run as contenders in 2026, and Lawrence is a dominant pass-rusher as a nose tackle.

But do not expect for Gladstone or the Jaguars to make any move today, tomorrow, or even the next day. As things stand today, it feels like the Jaguars and Gladstone's focus are one their 11 draft picks this month. After that, we will see.