Bengals swing blockbuster NFL trade with Giants for Dexter Lawrence

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals have completed a blockbuster trade with the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The deal includes the Bengals' tenth-overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

Key points

Bengals trade for Dexter Lawrence from the Giants
Deal includes the tenth-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Giants now have two top-ten picks in the draft
Bengals previously added Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, and Jonathan Allen

Dexter LawrenceSonny StylesJaxson DartBoye Mafe

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 16: Dexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on November 16, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cincinnati Bengals needed to add some help to their defense this offseason. They did just that on Saturday, pulling off a massive pre-Draft blockbuster trade for Dexter Lawrence. The New York Giants and Lawrence reached an impasse during recent contract negotiations, with the defensive tackle ultimately asking for a new home in a trade. That home will be in the AFC North, as the Bengals have agreed to a blockbuster trade for Lawrence. The deal includes the tenth-overall selection in next week’s 2026 NFL Draft. That means that the Giants now have a pair of picks inside the top ten in next week’s Draft, the number five selection and then the number ten selection. New York has been linked with several of the top defensive prospects in the draft, including linebacker Sonny Styles. Now with a pair of picks inside the top ten, the Giants can add both a premium defensive prospect as well as another player, perhaps one of the top offensive line prospects in the class to help protect Jaxson Dart. As for the Bengals, their investments along the defense continue. added , , and already this offseason, and now Lawrence joins that group of additions.

Q&A

What did the Bengals give up for Dexter Lawrence in the trade?

The Bengals traded their tenth-overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire Dexter Lawrence from the Giants.

How does Dexter Lawrence's trade impact the Giants' draft strategy?

With the trade, the Giants now hold two top-ten picks, allowing them to target both a premium defensive prospect and potentially an offensive lineman.

What other players have the Bengals added to their defense this offseason?

In addition to Dexter Lawrence, the Bengals have also added Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, and Jonathan Allen to strengthen their defense.