The New York Giants traded defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals late Saturday for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Cincinnati signed the three-time Pro Bowler to a one-year, $28 million extension after he passed a physical Sunday, bolstering a defense that ranked near the bottom in 2025. The deal gives the Giants two top-10 picks (Nos. 5 and 10) ahead of the draft's first round on April 23 in Pittsburgh.
Dexter Lawrence, a two-time second-team All-Pro first selected by the Giants in 2019, requested a trade earlier this month after contract extension talks stalled under New York's new regime, including head coach John Harbaugh. The 28-year-old interior lineman had a down 2025 season with 31 tackles and 0.5 sacks in 17 games due to injuries, but posted 9.5 sacks in 12 games the prior year and has long ranked among the NFL's elite. Bengals officials view him as an anchor demanding double-teams for a unit that ranked 31st in yards allowed (380.9 per game), 30th in scoring defense (28.9 points), and last in rushing defense (147.1 yards) last season. The trade, a franchise first for a top-10 pick straight-up for a player, addresses Joe Burrow's post-2025 call for change: 'We want to be competing for championships every year. Something's got to change.' Cincinnati has also added defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, safety Bryan Cook, and pass rusher Boye Mafe in free agency, offsetting the loss of Trey Hendrickson to the Baltimore Ravens. For the rebuilding Giants (4-13 in 2025), the picks enhance draft capital; GM Joe Schoen recently worked out Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson. One NFL executive called the price 'too much' given Lawrence's contract status (SI.com), but CBS Sports graded the Giants an 'A' and Bengals a 'B'.
