Sports
Four big takeaways from the Dexter Lawrence trade: Barnwell sizes up the Bengals' shocking move
Bengals make a surprising move, trading for Dexter Lawrence with the 10th pick.
ESPN News1 min read
NFLTransfer
Dexter Lawrence is Bengals' new D-lineman. 5 things about 'Sexy Dexy'
TL;DR
The Cincinnati Bengals have traded for defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence from the Giants, sending their 2026 first-round draft pick to New York. Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowler, had been in contract negotiation impasses with the Giants prior to the trade.
Key points
- Bengals acquire Dexter Lawrence from Giants
- Trade involves 2026 first-round pick
- Lawrence is a three-time Pro Bowler
- Negotiation impasse led to trade request
- Lawrence has 30.5 career sacks
Mentioned in this story
John Harbaugh
Cincinnati BengalsNew York GiantsDexter Lawrence
The Cincinnati Bengals acquired defensive lineman and three-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence from the Giants in a blockbuster trade that sends the Bengals' 2026 NFL Draft first-round pick (10th overall) to New York.
Nicknamed "Sexy Dexy," Lawrence and the Giants had reached an impasse in negotiations about a contract extension.
Trade rumors about Lawrence started earlier in the month, when Lawrence reportedly requested a trade. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported April 7 that Giants head coach John Harbaugh responded to Lawrence's trade request by saying, "I'm not surprised by it. We'll try to work through it."
Lawrence has played in 109 regular-season games and two postseason games over seven NFL seasons with the Giants, making 102 starts.
According to pro-football-reference.com, he has 30.5 career sacks, 40 TFLs and 103 quarterback hits.
In 2023, Lawrence signed a four-year, $90 million extension with the Giants. In 2024, he recorded career-bests in sacks with nine and tackles for loss with eight.
What to know about Lawrence:
Lawrence and Tee Higgins were Clemson teammates for two seasons.
Q&A
What did the Bengals give up to acquire Dexter Lawrence?
The Bengals traded their 2026 NFL Draft first-round pick, which is the 10th overall, to acquire Dexter Lawrence.
Why did Dexter Lawrence request a trade from the Giants?
Lawrence requested a trade after reaching an impasse in contract extension negotiations with the Giants.
How many career sacks does Dexter Lawrence have?
Dexter Lawrence has recorded 30.5 career sacks over his seven NFL seasons.
