Giants trade Dexter Lawrence to Bengals for No. 10 pick

The New York Giants have made a franchise-altering move, trading star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Lawrence, one of the most dominant interior defenders in the league, had been the anchor of the Giants’ defense and a consistent problem for opposing offensive lines — including the Philadelphia Eagles. His departure signals a major shift in direction for New York, which now gains valuable draft capital but loses a cornerstone player in the trenches.

For Cincinnati, the move is a clear win-now signal. Adding a disruptive force like Lawrence to their defensive front immediately upgrades a unit looking to contend deep into the postseason. His ability to collapse the pocket and control the run game provides the Bengals with a game-changing presence in the middle of their defense.

From the Eagles’ perspective, the trade alters the balance of power within the NFC East. Philadelphia no longer has to account for Lawrence twice a year, a development that could have a noticeable impact on divisional matchups. At the same time, the Giants’ acquisition of a top-10 pick gives them flexibility to reshape their roster quickly, whether by selecting a premier prospect or leveraging the pick in additional moves.

Ultimately, this deal represents two teams heading in different directions — the Bengals doubling down on contention, and the Giants retooling with an eye toward the future.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: NFC East shakeup: Giants deal Dexter Lawrence to Bengals