The New York Giants traded three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday in exchange for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The deal, finalized during draft week, sent shockwaves through the league as Lawrence, 28, is set to receive a one-year, $28 million extension with Cincinnati, keeping him under contract through 2028.
Lawrence, a key defensive anchor for the Giants since 2019, requested the trade after contract extension talks stalled. He expressed excitement about the move, stating he has a "fire in me that I’ve never had before" and plans to prove the Bengals' investment was worth it. The Bengals, meanwhile, bolstered their defense with an elite interior pass rusher and run stopper, adding Lawrence to a unit that already includes Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook, and Kyle Dugger.
The Giants, now holding the No. 5 and No. 10 overall picks in the 2024 draft, are reportedly targeting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the fifth pick and a wide receiver like Jordyn Tyson with the 10th. Analysts have debated the value of the trade, with some arguing the Bengals overpaid for an aging player, while others highlight Lawrence’s elite production and leadership.
Lawrence’s career stats include 341 tackles, 103 quarterback hits, 40 tackles for loss, and 30.5 sacks. The Bengals, who missed the playoffs the past three seasons, appear committed to contending for a Super Bowl with quarterback Joe Burrow, retaining nearly their entire offense while overhauling the defense.