General manager of football operations Dean Warren told lions.com.au the club had spoken to Ryder's manager Paul Connors, who confirmed his client was interested in heading north.
Ryder has two years remaining on his contract with the Bombers, but Warren said the Lions would be more than happy to accommodate the 26-year-old if he wanted to move.
'Furious' Connors fires back at Dons over Ryder leak claims
"Paul Connors has spoken to us and has said Paddy Ryder isn't completely happy at Essendon," Warren said.
"Obviously Paddy's contracted though and my understanding is Paddy and Essendon will sit down this week or next and work through his future at Essendon.
"Our understanding is if they can't resolve some of the concerns they have that he may look to move, and our understanding is Brisbane may be his preferred club if that is the case."
Thompson hopes Dons can convince Paddy to stay
Despite having mobile ruckmen Matthew Leuenberger and Stefan Martin – along with Trent West – already on their books, Warren said the Lions could accommodate Ryder.
"We'd be silly not to explore it because he's an exceptional player if indeed he was going to move," he said.
Warren quashed speculation surrounding another of Connors' clients, Collingwood midfielder Dayne Beams, saying the Lions had not approached the Queenslander.
"Not at this point. Dayne's contracted as well," Warren said.
"When he's out of contract (at the end of 2015), he's one you'd like to have a chat to. Don't worry, we'll ask Collingwood the question, but at this stage he's contracted."
Merrett rumours 'unfounded', say Lions
New Lions CEO Greg Swann said last month the Lions had an "incredible" amount of money available in the salary cap to hunt down some more mature players.
"We're not interested in bringing in B-Grade talent, C-Grade talent, they've got to be exceptional talent to bring them in, they've got to make us better," Warren said.
"We're not going to rush, they've got to make us better."
Will Paddy Ryder be playing alongside Trent West next year? Picture: AFL Media
