Dexter Lawrence is indeed on the move. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle’s trade request will result in a swap sending him to the AFC North.
The Giants and Bengals have agreed to a Lawrence trade, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report. This deal involves the No. 10 pick in next week’s draft heading to New York. An extension is also part of this blockbuster development, per the report. Cincinnati’s Day 1 selection is the only draft capital involved in the deal, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan adds.
[RELATED: Traded Draft Picks For 2026]
Lawrence was unable to work out an extension agreement last offseason, with a short-term incentive package being agreed to instead. The arrival of head coach John Harbaugh and a new reporting structure in the organization did not yield progress during the latest round of negotiations, prompting a trade request shortly before the draft. The immediate response indicated a swap was not expected, but it soon became clear the Giants were not interested in adding term or new money to the remainder of Lawrence’s contract. Talks broke off earlier this week, although team and player remained in communication leading up to tonight’s news.
In recent days it has become well known that Lawrence was open to a fresh start and that New York did not feel a sense of urgency to commit to a raise with the veteran coming off the least productive season of his career. The Giants understandably set a high asking price in this case, with a top-10 pick being sought out. They have managed to land one, and the team now holds selections No. 5 and 10 heading into the first round.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports efforts on the part of the Bengals to finalize this swap picked up over the past several days. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated adds the teams have been in contact for two weeks, with discussions centering on the price of a premium pick. The Giants initially tried to keep Lawrence even after receiving the Bengals’ offer, per SNY’s Connor Hughes; with the relationship beyond repair, the deal has now been agreed to. New York’s draft outlook is certainly much different now than it previously was.
The Giants will clear Lawrence’s remaining salaries for 2026 and ’27 from their books. With this swap taking place prior to June 1, the team will incur a dead money charge ($13.92MM) nearly identical to the cap savings ($13.04MM) which will be realized. Replacing Lawrence deep into free agency and/or by means of a draft class short on high-end defensive line prospects will now be a major priority.
From the Bengals’ perspective, this is an uncharacteristically aggressive move. Cincinnati has a reputation for avoiding high-profile transactions such as this, although the franchise’s approach has seen changes in recent years given the massive commitments made to the likes of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Investing heavily in those three has helped lead to defensive shortcomings, and upgrading on that side of the ball has been a key focus this offseason. Illustrating the nature of this acquisition, Raanan’s colleague Adam Schefter notes this is the first time in the common draft era (1966-present) the Bengals have traded away a top-10 pick.
The Bengals have made a number of defensive free agent additions, including the signing of Jonathan Allen not long after his release. He and Lawrence will aim to improve a defense which struggled in a number of categories in 2025, including a last-place finish against the run. Cincinnati showed interest in trading for Osa Odighizuwa last month, but after being unable to swing a deal on that front the team has managed to secure a major addition along the defensive interior. Lawrence, 28, has three Pro Bowl nods and two appearances on the second All-Pro team to his name.
Returning to his previous form would be critical for the Clemson product and the Bengals’ ability to reach the postseason in 2026. Lawrence has been one of the league’s premiere interior pass rushers for much of his career, but last season saw him post just 0.5 sacks and 12 QB pressures. That drop-off in production was a key reason driving the Giants’ hesitancy with respect to a new deal moving Lawrence back toward the top of the defensive tackle market. Prior to this agreement, his $22.5MM-per-year pact sat outside the top 10 for the position.
Lowering Lawrence’s 2026 cap charge will be key for Cincinnati. The team entered Saturday 31st in the NFL in cap space with nowhere near enough room to absorb his figure and afford to sign its incoming draft class. The particulars will certainly be worth watching for as the Bengals prepare to build around Lawrence while authorizing a big-money deal in addition to a substantial acquisition cost.
Giants are all of a sudden competent… Getting #10 and avoiding a massive contract is amazing
Not how I see it as a Giants fan
You can get fat run stuffers easy enough. Giants have tons of edge rushing talent already so rsh from the interior is a luxury. Getting 2 chances to hit on high impact players in the first, with the 5th year option is Massive.
Why not just pay Hendrickson and keep the top 10 pick?
The bridge was already burnt with Hendrickson and he will be 32 with one of the worst injury records in the league the past two years
He was injured for the first time this decade and you’re making up hyperbole
@gulfofflexapro. Wouldn’t surprise me if he sat out because of the negotiations, and he was going into free agency. But yeah the Bengals burned that bridge. Lawrence wants a new deal will they mess this one up too.
They got rid of one guy complaining about not getting paid for another complaining about not getting paid. Bengals gunna Bungles….
@jerry hairston. I originally thought the same he just wanted out. He went from 10th to 9th in salary, and supposedly the giants offered him more.
This move looks like a potential blunder for the bengals
Dexter had a pretty bad year and now is going to also get a ton of money that the bengals should use on their offensive line
If the giants take Delane or an offensive linemen and they become a star than this would be one of the worst trades
They’re def has been horrific and this gives them a study up the middle to build around. No brainer. They’re fault they dumped so much money into WRs
“this gives them a study up the middle to build around”
The Giants had a better surrounding cast for Dex last year and their defense was terrible.
From a statistical standpoint, the Guants defense was actually pretty good when DL was on the field, it was when he was off the field when they were absolutely abysmal.
On the field, they were like a upper middle tier defense, but off the field, they were just about dead last…
If anything, that just speaks to DL’s impact he’s able to have on the game for a team. I think it also shows their apparent lack of depth, lack of scheme, and how badly they need to upgrade the middle and back-half of their defense.
I think it also speaks volumes to the type of impact Dexter is able to have even without racking up sacks. He still got his fair share of pressures, swallowed up double-teams, and was incredibly stout against the run.
Bengals are getting a tone setter, and a game wrecker. On the other hand, I also think the Giants did the right thing, as well. They can use that pick to address other major needs, or they can use that pick to trade back into the mid to late teens, draft Kayden McDonald, who is also a beast against the run, and then fill a few different needs on the back half of their defense with the extra picks they’ll acquire.
If the Giants can manage this draft correctly, then they’ll quickly vault themselves right into the mix of things as one a young, hungry, and competitive contender the in the NFC.
Which, honestly, I cannot believe I am saying that considering where they were just a couple years ago.
god that’s a lot to read. AI: summarize that?
The defensive coaching last year was laughable at best. That had 100% to do with how Dex played last year. And is also why he was disgruntled.
Well their not called the Bungles for nothing!!!,they drafted a wideout from Washington that no one ever heard of,and with the very next Pick the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes!!!🤣
Tbf at the time Ross looked like the next tyreek hill and he and AJ green with dalton could have been like burrow with chase and Higgins
Cincy… what?
Find something wrong with his physical
Bengals are going to Bengals it up. This trade makes no sense for them plus that contract is enormous. Did Burrow threaten retirement soon or something?
Isn’t this website about rumors?,I know the Bungles front office is a joke,but hopefully this is nothing but a rumor!!!
When the haters are out you know its a good one for the Bengals. They got help on the edge, the secondary, and now one of the best interior lineman in football. The Bengals will be very good this season, shut up.
100 percent .
“now one of the best interior lineman in football.”
If only that were true, lmao
Finished 9th out of 134 qualifying DL.
“now one of the best interior lineman in football.” is true lmao in 2025 he lined up a DT 60% or more of the time.
But why let facts get in the way of your glaucoma eye tests
“Finished 9th out of 134 qualifying DL.”
By what metric? You didn’t cite a single stat and you’re taking a victory lap. Is this PFF? If so, that is laughable. What is “qualifying”? Finished 9th in what?
I’ll counter you by doing what you just did. Dexter Lawrence finished 289th out of 300 qualifying NFL football players. Don’t let the facts get in the way of your glaucoma eye tests!!!!
Pff is one of the most recognizable and reliable metrics out there lmao.
Just cause you don’t understand how they calculate their rankings, numbers are hard for you we know, doesn’t discredit them cause you, a simpleton, says so.
Lawrence was also voted #17 out of all football players on the top 100 list. 2nd interior lineman ranked behind Chris Jones and 4th Dline ranked behind Garrett Jones Watt.
You know. The list made by players ranking their own peers LOL.
Sit this one out. You’re embarsssing yourself. I’ll trust actual NFL players saying Lawrence is a top player in their league (regardless of position), 2nd best IDL, and 4th best DL over a single digit IQ holder like yourself
People use their website and analysis. People use your comments as morning jokes of the day.
By what metric did you use to say he isn’t one of the best interior DL? Please do share
You’re handling being wrong very well lmao. Like a child being told Santa isn’t real.
Bengals defense looks much improved on paper, granted their defense has been horrible for two years now, but they need to shore up the oline for Burrow otherwise his tendency to hold onto the ball too long could lead to another injury.
There isn’t anything wrong with their offensive line going into 2026. They could use a swing tackle in the drwft, but have five starters returning.
Best interior lineman in football? Bwa bwa.
He was ranked 9th in the NFL. So he is one of the best.
One of and is are different and I will take Jalen Carter on any Sunday.
Glad Dexter out of NFC EAST
The league’s worst division last year.
So long as the NFC south exists that’s patently untrue
NFC East aggregate record was .404.
NFC South aggregate record was .441.
No further comment necessary.
lol jets chucky. Whatever gets you through your jets fandom
He looks like an easy ‘mute’
Week 18 of last season, Fox could’ve featured Jaguars going for AFC South and AFC #1 seed in the early game. What did Fox feature to most of the nation? Giants (3-13) vs. Dallas (7-8-1). Because the Fox M.O. is NFC East uber alles.
Nice next level reasoning
Bengals are being NBA stupid trading such a valuable pick for an expensive player when they aren’t close to being a good enough team to truly compete for a superbowl.
Right, the bengals should wait until they are better to try to improve themselves.
They shouldn’t have wasted a top 10 pick where they could’ve gotten a premium starter cost controlled instead of giving it away for an expensive player, who isn’t a difference maker and hasn’t won anything his entire career. Teams improve through the draft.
Cincy was just in a Superbowl not too long ago. They have the offense, just need defense.
It is coming up on 5 yrs, that is an eternity in football and wouldn’t fit a not too long ago.
They still have the offense and were putting up 30 ppg when Burrow played last season. Give them even an average defense and they will compete for the playoffs.
People saying it’s not a good trade for the Bengals just don’t get it imo. There was a great chance there wasn’t gonna be a defensive difference maker for them at 10 a that’s what they need RIGHT NOW. I’m assuming the extension will be pretty Bengals friendly or they wouldn’t agree to the deal, gives them an elite 1 tech to help out the LB and gets the most double teams in the league helping out everyone else as well. As a bengals fan I am very happy I think this is a great deal for a team that needs to win NOW a show improvement NOW. Just hit on Nickel, LB and swing tackle/IOL on days two and three and they will be fine.
Considering Lawrence was reportedly unhappy that his contract wasn’t close to the top of the market, I’d disagree. It’s more likely that the Bengals made an uncharacteristically aggressive and short-sighted move than Lawrence taking a team friendly deal.
Also, with the way the board is looking, they almost certainly WOULD have gotten a defensive difference maker at 10. Lawrence is better than any DT on the board so if you’re strictly looking at that position then they got the best available, but they likely could have had their pick of at least one of Styles/Delane/Downs when they were on the board. And they would have gotten one of them on a rookie deal.
We shall see this week if one of those 3 drop to 10. I’m expecting Cleveland to trade back and someone trade up to take one of those 3 players as well imo
Even if the Browns trade back and Dallas takes one of those guys, I still think at least one would make it to 10.
I’m actually a Browns fan and operating under the assumption that they’ll use 6 on Tate until proven otherwise, but the Cowboys move up for one of those guys then it’s possible that Tate then becomes the pick for the Commanders at 7 when they might have gone defense if he wasn’t there.
Obviously we’ll find out in a few days but they likely could have gotten an impact defender if they stayed at 10. I love the addition for them but it just feels like a massive overpay (even in a relatively top heavy class), especially when you factor in the inevitable $26 million AAV extension.
Yes, people look at the lack of sacks, and assume DL is on the decline. Look at the Giants defense last year when he was on and off the field. TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT TEAMS. The Gaints were actually a good defensive unit, statistically with DL on the field, without him they were abysmal.
Bengals got a game-changer, and absolute nightmare opposing OCs have to gameplan around, and they haven’t had that up the middle image verrry long time. He is a one man wrecking ball in the run game, and helps collapse the pocket from the interior, so his teammates can eat off the edge.
I would be very surprised if this move alone did not single-handedly help improve the Bengals defense. Add to the fact they actually improved their defense in some other areas, and I think we will see a resurgence from the Bengals next year.
If you are a Bengals fan, I would be VERY HAPPY!
If the Giants can play their cards right in the draft, this could be a major win-win for both sides involved. Giants need to trade back about 5-10 picks, add some more draft capital, and then select Kayden McDonald as DLs replacement. Then, continue building their defense using another couple picks to add depth and continue to improve the middle and back half of their defense. You cannot replace DL, but McDonald is an excellent run defender, and he will be exactly what the Giants need after trading away Dex.
Given your assessment of the Giants defense with Lawrence on and off the field, I as many are, sure that you aren’t a Giants fan, and haven’t watched any of their games…..Lawrence for all the past accolades didn’t have a good year last year and the defense with and without him gave up an average over 5 yds per carry on the ground which was supposed to be where he dominated….true he didn’t have lots of help, and probably was double teamed a lot, but the same was true in the past when he was a 3 time All Pro…..that being said, I do think this is good both ways…the Bengals get a guy who very well might rebound on a win now team, and the Giants get a # 10 pick in addition to their own with Harbaugh calling the player’s name out he wants in that slot…..
Ricky? Or is it Rocky? I like how you can sit in your living room and know everything about another person hundreds of miles away. How many times have you won the lottery with your ability to know what people are thinking and how things will happen? NONE??? What, with your self described superior intellect and precognitive abilities you should be a billionaire!! Oh, you’re just another wannabe NFL writer and part time GM like so many other “experts” on the National Football League and it’s inner workings. Thanks for your insights. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Styles at 5, Downs at 10 would be amazing
Downs at 5, WR at 10, imo. I’d take both scenarios, though.
Trading away an easy top 3 player at his position in his prime in Dexter Lawrence and trusting a General Manager in Joe Schoen who might be on his way out to make a good pick with the 10th overall pick might give The Bengals a rare win in a trade, and I personally think they won the trade.
“Trading away an easy top 3 player”
He wasn’t close to top 3 last year. The year before, maybe. This is a big gamble by the Bengals. Maybe it works out, but it’ll cost them a valuable pick and (presumably) a big contract.
John Harbaugh is running this organization. Joe Schoen’s primary responsibility will be getting coffee, donuts and bagels for morning meetings.
This is a crazy trade…. Cincinnati never does this
BUNGALS
Cincy at least are scrappy, unlike the entitled New York Football Giants.
Nice insight there Putty face!!
What an awful trade for the Bengals
Worse for the Giants! Terrible trade for both teams
Ask Carl Banks, who publicly dissed Lawrence on two occasions last season. Banks is a Giants legend so he knows the standard they’re supposed to live up to.
Banks has also spent a LONG time in the media. He knows how and when to say something to get attention (go viral). If Dex was so bad last year, how come he was double teamed at such a high rate? His “down” year last year was still better then 85% of the league. He wasn’t getting the sacks or TFL, but he was affecting the game in a positive way more then you think.
I’d love if the Giants somehow got Styles and Mauigoa
Mauigoa has a bad back so may not be a great idea.
Wow, I really did not see Cincinnati trading big draft capital to give big money to anyone, let alone a DT after Allen.
Also I kinda like this for both teams in a way? If the Giants were going to trade him, great to get 10 overall. But also Lawrence is a unique star if he’s healthy and clicking, and cool to see the Bengals go all in.
Don’t see anything negative about this trade for either team.
If Shemar Stewart steps up to his first round billing, They’ve added Mafe, Lawrence, Cook, Duggar, and Allen to the defense so far this offseason, if that defense can get somewhere around middle of the pack 14th,16th, 18th, to complement that offense, they might make a run this year
Bengals still need major help in the secondary but the front 7 is significantly better on paper. AFC North is always competitive but this season there’s a solid argument for any non Cleveland team to take the division. Should be a fun season
Giants won’t play Cincy, though they will host Cleveland.
Good trade. Didn’t think the Bengals had it in them.
Wow! I thought the Giants would be lucky to get a #3 and #5 for him at this point.
Bengals went all in. Super Bowl or bust. Prolly be the latter….
Giants are turning into the Jets! What a joke. You have an all pro player, one of the best guys in the league….so let’s trade him for a pick you hope doesn’t bust.
Again…what a joke
Lawrence is no longer one of the best DT in the league. He was very unproductive last season but was still complaining about his contract. Why overpay a guy coming off a bad season when they can lock up a high end rookie for much cheaper? This trade is an easy win for the Giants.
What is your definition of unproductive? DT Productivity goes beyond sacks and TFL. If he wasn’t so good he would be double teamed less (which he wasn’t). What metrics show that he was bad last year?
NYG DL was supposed to be their strength. It wasn’t. With the talent they had shouldn’t be have had a much better season on paper?
Bengals weren’t one player away from contention before the trade, and they still aren’t after it. And Joe Burrow still doesn’t have anyone to block for him.
Bengals line gets a bad rap. 2025 they were ranked 15 th as a unit in the league. Joe needs to get rid of the ball …
15th out of 32 is average…not playoff caliber, especially with a fairly immobile QB.
Fairly immobile 😂😂
Pretty lazy take. Bengals OL was top ten in pressure rate and sack rate in 2025. Top ten. You clearly didn’t watch the team
It’s the weekend. I’m lazier, and my takes are lazier. 😉
Bengals and Browns will be case studies for future generations
Cincy had to upgrade their defense after losing their season-ending game to the Cleveland Browns.
The Bengals are getting a three time Pro Bowl DT who’s still in his prime. Their run D is suddenly credible. A 10 is not too high a price either.
“Their run D is suddenly credible”
Take a look at the Giants run defense last year.
@ret Giants didn’t have Allen on one side and Mafe on the other side of Lawrence. Not even a fan of Cincinnati but their d line is going to be a load, and top 5 vs the run. That’s a HUGE improvement.
not like the bengals are draft day juggernauts .. better then 50/50 chance they would blow the pick anyway
A lot of people are calling it a good move for both teams.
All I know is that yesterday the Giants had an All-Pro, disgruntled DT who’s about to turn 29 and didn’t want to honor the last two years of his contract.
Today, they have two top-10 picks and $14 million more in cap space.
I’m happy
Oh wow
Wow.
Even if he’s not the same player, Dex is instantly Cincinnati’s best defensive player by a mile.
I like to remind my wife that I’m the sexiest man in an empty room 🙂
Bengals in the running for one of the worst run franchises
Lazy take. Bengals are cheap (trade for star). Bengals are dumb (Trade a pick). It’s insane how lazy the takes are here
Stupid take, bengals overpaid for a player (cash and draft capital) when they could have just paid Hendrickson. Waaay too much cap tied into two receivers, and waaay too little cap tied into protecting franchise qb. Take off your homer glasses
#5, #10. Next year’s first and second for #1?
They have the ammunition to pivot. Not saying they will, just wanted a sound board on value proposed.
As a Raider fan, is the physical completed?
I like this all around. Get the #10, clear some of that cap and move a disgruntled player. Bengals add Lawrence to Allen and all of a sudden have a D line. I like Lawrence but new regime and the giants defense was not good, even with him.
Y’all talking that Dumb Jock talk about how great the Giants defense was with Dex. Look at all the derp from last season.
Dallas away: shootout that the Pokes tied at the gun and won in OT.
Denver away: led 19-0 after 3, lost on a FG at the gun.
Philadelphia away: losing again in the Linc, Dex dissed by Banks afterward.
San Francisco home: embarrassed before a sea of 49er faithful.
Chicago away: another blown lead (and it got Daboll fired).
Green Bay home: embarrassed before a sea of Packer backers.
Detroit away: another blown lead, lost in OT (and it got the DC fired).
New England away: embarrassed on a Monday night in Foxboro.
Ever player , former or present, says this guy is a monster and a nightmare to play against. But all the keyboard GM’s say it was an overpay and are crying about the Bengals giving up the tenth pick in the draft. Who should I believe? Hmmmm, gonna have to go with the players. He’s going to be playing with his best friend, on a team who could return to the Super Bowl this year and NOT on a Giants team who has been going NOWHERE for quite a few years. What? They were a great team? Why the new head coach then? The Bengals are gonna beat people up this fall and it’s gonna be special to watch. A crappy team with a crappy head coach in a crappy city can take the optimism out of even the best player in the world. Dexter is going to ball out this year and make all of you look like fools.( Make that look like fools AGAIN!!