Dexter Lawrence expresses renewed motivation after being traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals. The trade included the Bengals' No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft in exchange for the three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle.
Key points
Dexter Lawrence traded from New York Giants to Cincinnati Bengals
Trade included Bengals' No. 10 overall pick in 2026 NFL draft
Lawrence requested trade after contract negotiations stalled
Signed one-year, $28 million extension with Bengals
Contract keeps him under contract through 2028 season
New York GiantsCincinnati BengalsDexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence says he has new 'fire' following New York Giants trade
In his first public comments since being traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, nose tackle Dexter Lawrence expressed renewed motivation and excitement about his fresh start.
The blockbuster deal, completed on Saturday, sent the three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle to Cincinnati in exchange for the Bengals' No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The Giants, now armed with the fifth and 10th selections in the first round, continue their roster rebuild.
Lawrence, who had requested a trade after contract negotiations stalled with New York, quickly agreed to a one-year, $28 million extension with the Bengals that keeps him under contract through the 2028 season.
Dallas Cowboys (home, away)
Washington Commanders (home, away)
Q&A
What motivated Dexter Lawrence to request a trade from the Giants?
Dexter Lawrence requested a trade due to stalled contract negotiations with the New York Giants.
What are the details of the trade between the Giants and Bengals?
The trade sent Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in exchange for their No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
How long is Dexter Lawrence's contract with the Bengals?
Dexter Lawrence signed a one-year, $28 million extension with the Bengals, keeping him under contract through the 2028 season.
What does Dexter Lawrence mean by having a new 'fire' after the trade?
Dexter Lawrence indicated that he feels renewed motivation and excitement about his fresh start with the Cincinnati Bengals.
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“They wanted me here and they appreciated the work that I’ve put in over the last seven seasons,” Lawrence said. “I appreciate that and I’m going to do everything I can to show them that they didn’t waste [a top 10 pick]. I’m excited. I’ve got a fire in me that I’ve never had before, so I’m excited. I’m excited to be a Bengal.”
He described the lead-up to the trade as a “long process” but noted immediate excitement upon learning the Bengals were a potential destination. Lawrence credited his faith for helping him through the uncertainty.
“God got me through it, and right now, I’m ready to let my light shine and go win some games,” he said.
Acknowledging the high expectations that come with being acquired for a premium draft asset, Lawrence embraced the challenge rather than feeling burdened by it.
“I know people are going to say [there’s] pressure, but I embrace it,” he said. “I bring it in. It doesn’t affect me, the pressure. I just know who I am and I’m going to stay true to that. I’m going to be the guy to help this defense go to the next level.”
The 2024 Pro Bowler delivered a career-high 9.0 sacks in 12 games that season but saw limited production in 2025.
