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'Nobody was going to beat the 10th pick:' How the Bengals wooed the Giants into trading vet Dexter Lawrence
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NFLTransfer
Evaluating New York Giantsā Options With No. 10 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft
TL;DR
The New York Giants traded Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Lawrence's frustrations with his contract and the team's performance led to his request for a trade.
Key points
- Giants traded Dexter Lawrence to Bengals
- Received 10th overall pick in 2026 NFL Draft
- Lawrence frustrated with contract and team's performance
- Had worst season with 31 tackles and 0.5 sacks
- Trade impacts Giants' draft strategy
Mentioned in this story
Joe Schoen
New York GiantsCincinnati BengalsDexter LawrenceSaquon Barkley
The New York Giants made a blockbuster trade on Saturday night, sending three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Lawrence had been growing frustrated over the past few seasons with his contract situation, as he had been the 12th-highest-paid defensive tackle in the league. It was also reported that he was frustrated that, for the past two seasons, he saw former teammates Saquon Barkley, Leonard Williams, and Julian Love win Super Bowls with other teams, while the Giants went 7-27.
This is why the 28-year-old defensive lineman requested a trade earlier this month. On Tuesday, general manager Joe Schoen stated during his press conference that he had positive conversations with Lawrenceās representatives and was hopeful that things would work out. But a few hours later, news broke that the two sides were at an impasse, and that Lawrence wanted out of New York.
Lawrence was coming off statistically the worst season of his seven-year career as he had career lows in tackles (31) and sacks (0.5). The expectation was that New York could get a late first-round or a second-round pick for him. But when the Bengals offered the 10th overall pick in the draft, New York pulled the trigger on the deal.
Related: New York Giants GM Joe Schoen Raves About Top NFL Draft Prospect
Who will the Giants draft with the 10th overall pick?
Q&A
Why did the New York Giants trade Dexter Lawrence?
The Giants traded Dexter Lawrence due to his frustrations with his contract situation and the team's poor performance over the past seasons.
What did the Giants receive in exchange for Dexter Lawrence?
The Giants received the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for Dexter Lawrence.
How did Dexter Lawrence perform in his last season with the Giants?
Dexter Lawrence had the worst statistical season of his career, recording only 31 tackles and 0.5 sacks.
What impact does the trade have on the Giants' draft strategy?
The trade gives the Giants a valuable top-10 pick, allowing them to potentially select a high-impact player in the 2026 NFL Draft.
