Dexter Lawrence’s time with the New York Giants is over.
In a bombshell move less than a week before the 2026 NFL Draft, the Giants decided to send the veteran defensive tackle to the Cincinnati Bengals. In return, the Giants are getting a high pick in the upcoming draft, via Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
This trade ends the offseason drama between Lawrence and the Giants, who selected the former Clemson Tigers star in the first round (17th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. The two sides were at an impasse in discussions over a potential contract extension, with Lawrence demanding a trade.
It did not take long for New York to grant him his wish, and in the process, the team got a high pick for its bold move.
As it stands, New York now has two top-10 picks in the 2026 draft, including its own at the No. 5 spot of the order.
The three-time Pro Bowler Lawrence signed a 4-year, $87.5 million contract extension with the Giants in 2023, but that deal is already out of guaranteed money. Now, he will begin a new chapter in his football journey, not just with another team but in a different conference.
The 28-year-old Lawrence recorded 30.5 sacks with 341 combined tackles and 1 interception in 109 games (102 starts) during his Giants tenure. He joins the Bengals’ stop unit that could use his presence on the defensive line after losing Trey Hendrickson in the offseason.
