Giants Trade Dexter Lawrence to Bengals for #10 overall pick
Cincy Signs Him to 1-year – $28M Extension
Frank Coyle / Publisher
New York Giants pulled the trigger and traded Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the #10 overall pick in the NFL Draft this Thursday night. Cincinnati is giving Lawrence a one-year, $28 million contract extension, teams announced after the deal.
“We are excited to add Dexter to our team,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said in a team statement. “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.”
Lawrence, 28, has spent all seven of his NFL seasons with Big Blue after being selected with the 17th overall selection in the NFL Draft 2019. He made three straight Pro Bowls from 2022-24 before a pectoral tear, limited his playing time over his final two seasons. When contract extension talks stalled in New York, he requested a trade in early April. Last week, it was reported contract talks were at an impasse and there was likely a trade situation would play out by the start of the draft. Giants brass GM Joe Schoen and HC John Harbaugh listened to offers and held their ground for an early #1 pick in this draft class.
The trade has put the Giants in excellent position with two top-ten picks, their own at #5 and Cincy’s at #10. The Bengals feel Lawrence gives them a vital piece for their front four as they continue to rebuild their weak defense. They have struggled with a poor defense which has cost them the playoffs the past three seasons.
The trade marks an increasing openness by the Bengals to change and trade or sign veteran talent to rebuild quicker than just the NFL Draft. With Lawrence heading into his age-29 season, this is a clear win-now move. When coupled with the lucrative extensions for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins last offseason, he shows ownership is willing to improve the club and give Joe Burrow what he needs to compete.
Lawrence had a down year in 2025 with only half a sack after a career-high 9 sacks in 2024. He can still be an enforcer whose impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. He has been the most double-teamed linemen in the league with over 50% of snaps facing double blocking. Considering his new teammate defensive end B.J. Hill ranks third in that same timeframe with double teams. Add new FA addition DT Johnathan Allan and the Bengals front line has the makeup of a strong group who can reset the line of scrimmage.
The Bengals-Giants blockbuster will have ripple effects entering the three-day NFL Draft. The Giants are now the 6th team with 2 first round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. It sets up several more possible first round deals, most likely on the clock for Thursday night.
