Dexter Lawrence traded out of the NFC, Giants get a top 10 pick

TL;DR

The New York Giants have traded Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL Draft. This move marks a significant change for both teams, with the Giants gaining a top 10 pick and the Bengals acquiring a star defensive tackle.

Key points

Giants traded Dexter Lawrence to Bengals
Bengals received No. 10 overall pick
Lawrence requested a trade due to contract issues
Giants now have two top 10 picks in the draft
Bengals have not frequently traded first-round picks

New York GiantsCincinnati Bengals

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 28: Dexter Lawrence #97 of the New York Giants walks off the field after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders in the game at Allegiant Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images There’s a shake-up at the top of the NFL Draft order, and it involves one of the league’s best defensive tackles. The New York Giants have dealt disgruntled star Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, who have sacrificed the No. 10 overall pick in the process. That means John Harbaugh’s first season as Giants head coach will involve two picks in the top 10. Unless they trade back into the first, this will only be the second time in franchise history the Bengals have not held a first-round pick. I’m not even sure they’ve ever traded a first-round pick for a player, so this is a splash move for a franchise not known for monumental offseason moves. Lawrence wanted a contract extension from the Giants, the two sides were reportedly far apart on money, and the two-time All-Pro requested a trade. The Giants obliged, sending Lawrence to a Bengals squad that lost Trey Hendricks on in free agency but signed Jonathan Allen, former Seahawk edge rusher Boye Mafe, and now they’ve got one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league. The were probably never really in the Lawrence sweepstakes, if only because it’s hard for the Super Bowl champions to one-up a deal involving a top 10 pick, but the good news is he’s no longer on the Seahawks’ regular season schedule.

Q&A

Why did the New York Giants trade Dexter Lawrence?

The Giants traded Dexter Lawrence because he requested a trade after the two sides were far apart on a contract extension.

What did the Cincinnati Bengals give up for Dexter Lawrence?

The Bengals gave up the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL Draft to acquire Dexter Lawrence from the Giants.

How does Dexter Lawrence's trade affect the NFL Draft order?

Lawrence's trade has shaken up the NFL Draft order, allowing the Giants to have two picks in the top 10, while the Bengals now do not hold a first-round pick for only the second time in franchise history.