The Cincinnati Bengals have acquired defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants. In return, the Giants received the No. 10 overall pick in the draft. The Bengals are giving Lawrence a one-year, $28 million contract extension.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor stated, “We are excited to add Dexter to our team. He has been a dominant player in the league since he was drafted, and he will be a tremendous presence on the field and in our locker room.”
Giants Gain Two Top-10 Draft Picks
The trade positions the Giants with two top-10 picks: their original No. 5 and Cincinnati’s No. 10. Receiving such a high selection is a massive get for the Giants to kick-start the John Harbaugh era.
The Giants already have Jaxson Dart, a potential franchise quarterback, and Malik Nabers, a difference maker at wideout. This presents a huge opportunity for New York to build around Dart on a rookie contract by adding another weapon or bolstering his protection. The Giants will need to plug a massive hole at DT along a defensive line that was already in need of some upgrades regardless of if Lawrence had remained in town or not.
Bengals Aim to Bolster Defence
The trade marks an increasing openness by the Bengals to take big swings. Coupled with the lucrative extensions for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins last offseason, this shows Cincinnati’s willingness to give Joe Burrow what he needs to compete.
Lawrence, heading into his age-29 season, is seen as a win-now move. The Bengals hope Lawrence will help stop a three-year playoff skid.
Lawrence’s Impact on the Field
Lawrence had a down year in 2025, dropping from a career-high nine sacks the season prior to 0.5. However, Lawrence is still an enforcer whose impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.
Lawrence eats up blockers, having seen a 53.2 double-team percentage since 2021, the highest in the NFL during that span (minimum 750 snaps). That percentage has amounted to 1,103 double teams on his pass rushes over the past five seasons, making him the only player in quadruple digits. His new teammate, defensive end B.J. Hill, ranks third in that same timeframe with 980 double teams.
Blockers will have to choose, and either Lawrence, Hill or another Bengals pass rusher should benefit.
Lawrence’s Trade Request
Lawrence, 28, has spent all seven of his NFL seasons with the Giants and made three straight Pro Bowls from 2022-24. He requested a trade on April 6 when contract extension talks stalled in New York. On April 14, it was reported that contract talks were at an impasse and it was likely the situation would play out by the start of the draft.
The teams announced the trade, which became official with its inclusion on the league transaction wire.
Dexter Lawrence got his trade wish, and the Giants got their coveted first-round compensation in exchange.