Grade the Dexter Lawrence trade to the Cincinnati Bengals

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals traded the 10th overall pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. This move aims to strengthen the Bengals' struggling defense as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Key points

Bengals traded 10th overall pick for Dexter Lawrence
Lawrence is a proven All-Pro defensive tackle
Trade aims to strengthen Bengals' defense
Lawrence reunites with former teammate B.J. Hill
Bengals are going all in for the upcoming season

Cincinnati BengalsNew York GiantsDexter LawrenceJoe Burrow

Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Bengals officially shocked the world with a blockbuster trade as the 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaches. The Bengals have sent the 10th overall pick to the New York Giants for superstar defensive tackle Dexter ‘Sexy Dexy’ Lawrence. The front office pulled off the historical franchise trade to help ‘go all in’ with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. It is no secret that the Bengals’ defense has been horrid the past few seasons, and it is clear the front office had full intentions to improve the unit this offseason with Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, Jonathan Allen, and now Dexter Lawrence. Some may feel the 10th overall pick is a bit rich for Lawrence, but you won’t find an instant-impact, proven All-Pro talent like Sexy Dexy at that point in this year’s draft class. I could sit here and explain how massive this trade is for the Bengals defense, but Warren Sharp summed it up perfectly in one post; it is worth the read: Lawrence is an incredibly versatile talent at the defensive tackle position and will now be reunited with his former teammate, , to help boost the trenches in . Tell us your thoughts on the blockbuster trade and let us know your grade for the pick. Drop it in the comments!

Q&A

What did the Bengals give up for Dexter Lawrence?

The Bengals traded the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants.

How will Dexter Lawrence impact the Bengals' defense?

Dexter Lawrence is expected to significantly improve the Bengals' defense with his versatility and All-Pro talent, addressing their struggles in recent seasons.

Who are the key players in the Bengals' offense that this trade supports?

The trade supports key offensive players like Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins as the Bengals aim to compete at a higher level.