The New York Giants traded Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, sources confirmed to ESPN on Saturday night.
Why the Giants moved Lawrence
The trade followed a contract impasse between the Giants and Lawrence, who has two years left on his deal with no guaranteed money remaining. Lawrence, who turned 29 in November, requested a trade after seven seasons with New York despite earning Pro Bowl honors from 2022 to 2024 and being an All-Pro finalist in 2022 and 2023.
How Lawrence’s performance trended recently
Lawrence recorded 30.5 sacks and 40 tackles for loss over 109 career games but saw a sharp decline in 2025, finishing with just 0.5 sacks and 33 total tackles — career lows in both categories. His production drop coincided with the breakdown in contract talks, leading to his eventual trade request.
What the Bengals gain
Cincinnati adds a veteran interior presence to a defense that missed the playoffs for the third straight year in 2025. The Bengals had already bolstered their front seven in free agency by signing edge rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million deal and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $25 million contract.
What the Giants acquire
New York now controls both the No. 5 and No. 10 picks in the first round of next week’s draft, giving them flexibility to select multiple impact players or trade up for a higher selection. The trade resolves a costly stalemate even as adding draft capital for a team in rebuilding mode.
Why did Lawrence inquire for a trade?
Lawrence sought a trade after negotiations for a new contract stalled, leaving him with two years remaining on his current deal but no guaranteed money.
How does this affect the Bengals‘ defense?
The acquisition adds a proven interior disruptor to a unit that struggled in 2025, complementing recent free-agent additions like Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen to improve the line of scrimmage.
