The New York Giants have traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in a blockbuster move just days before the 2026 NFL Draft, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
In exchange for the three-time Pro Bowler, the Giants receive the No. 10 overall selection in this Thursday's draft. As part of the agreement, the Bengals are providing Lawrence with a one-year, $28 million contract extension, per @RapSheet. The teams have since officially announced the deal.
The trade concludes a tense standoff between Lawrence and the Giants front office. The 28-year-old defender originally requested a trade on April 6 after contract extension talks reached an impasse. Lawrence has been a cornerstone of the New York defense for seven seasons, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl nods from 2022 to 2024.
For the Giants, the move provides significant draft capital to kick off the John Harbaugh era. New York now owns two picks in the top 10—their original No. 5 selection and the newly acquired No. 10 pick from Cincinnati. Meanwhile, the Bengals gain a dominant interior presence to bolster a defense looking to snap a three-year playoff drought.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
