Giants rumor from ESPN reveals who New York could target to replace Dexter Lawrence

Giants rumor from ESPN reveals who New York could target to replace Dexter Lawrence originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Giants agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, dealing defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the No. 10 overall pick.

"Giants star Dexter Lawrence is being traded to the #Bengals in a pre-Draft blockbuster that includes the No. 10 pick heading to the Giants, per me and Tom Pelissero," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on X.

Though Lawrence is coming off a down year in 2025 with just 0.5 sacks, the 28-year-old has played a pivotal role on the Giants' defense over the last few years, and New York will now be tasked with filling that void.

The Giants could search free agency or even the trade market to find Lawrence's replacement, but it sounds like there is a certain prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft from Ohio State who could be on New York's radar to add to the defensive tackle room.

Giants linked to Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald

ESPN's Jordan Raanan says multiple sources have told him that McDonald would be a perfect fit on New York's new look defense run by head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.

"Something to note: Multiple sources told me earlier this week that DT Kayden McDonald is perfect for the Baltimore-style defense that the Giants will run," Raanan said on X after Lawrence was traded.