The New York Giants traded star nose tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, gaining approximately $13 million in salary cap relief but incurring $13.916 million in dead cap.
Key points
Giants traded Dexter Lawrence to Bengals
Received 10th overall pick in 2026 NFL draft
Gained $13 million in salary cap relief
Incurs $13.916 million in dead cap
Mixed reactions from fans and analysts
New York GiantsCincinnati Bengals
A look at Giants' salary cap space following Dexter Lawrence trade
The New York Giants parted ways with unhappy star nose tackle Dexter Lawrence on Saturday night, dealing him to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
The news of the trade has generated mixed reviews from Giants fans, although many around the league are aghast over the Bengals' willingness to surrender such valuable draft capital for a player who has been largely reduced by injuries over the past two seasons.
One unintended benefit is the approximately $13 million in annual salary cap relief the Giants are getting by shedding themselves of Lawrence's contract for the next two seasons. However, it also leaves them with $13.916 million in dead cap.
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Q&A
What did the Giants receive in the Dexter Lawrence trade?
The Giants received the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft in exchange for Dexter Lawrence.
How much salary cap relief did the Giants gain from trading Dexter Lawrence?
The Giants gained approximately $13 million in annual salary cap relief by trading Dexter Lawrence.
What is the dead cap hit for the Giants after trading Lawrence?
The Giants will incur a dead cap hit of $13.916 million following the trade of Dexter Lawrence.
Why are fans divided over the Dexter Lawrence trade?
Fans are divided due to mixed feelings about losing a star player and concerns over his injury history versus the draft capital gained.
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As of Sunday morning, Over the Cap lists the Giants' available salary cap space at $18.43 million, while Spotrac has them at $19.41 million.
That will be enough to play their incoming draft class and then some. There are still several free agents the team may be focusing on this spring that they were previously unable to afford, but that they now can sign.
The Giants recently held visits with defensive tackles D.J. Rader and Shelby Harris, and will likely circle back around to one of those players, if not both.
Lawrence now must pass a physical with the Bengals. He has dealt with elbow issues the past two seasons, and given the recent Maxx Crosby incident, a deal isn't a deal until it's final these days.
