NY Giants Made Dexter Lawrence Trade Much Earlier Than Planned?

Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A new report suggests a failed trade from March played a major role in the New York Giants and Cincinnati Bengals completing a Dexter Lawrence deal earlier than expected.

On Thursday night, the Giants had not one, but two picks in the top 10 of the NFL Draft. They, of course, had their selection at No. 5 after a miserable 4-13 showing last season. But they added the 10th overall selection after completing a long-rumored trade of tackle Dexter Lawrence last week.

The three-time Pro Bowler wanted a major pay bump despite having seasons left on the extension he signed a couple of years ago. The Giants were not interested in acquiescing to his request after a down year, and the two sides realized a divorce was needed. Fortunately for Big Blue, the Bengals were willing to give up a premium pick in Round 1 for his services.

However, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Giants fans were not supposed to find out about getting a second pick until Thursday night.

“Based on conversations with multiple league sources, it’s believed that the failed Maxx Crosby trade was a significant factor in getting the deal done early. As one source put it, both teams were concerned about Lawrence passing a physical. Pre-Crosby, that would have been less of a concern.”