Zac Taylor and Duke Tobin release statements on Dexter Lawrence trade

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants, giving up their 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Lawrence signed a one-year extension through 2028, with both Zac Taylor and Duke Tobin expressing excitement about the acquisition.

Key points

Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence II from the Giants
Bengals gave up the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Lawrence signed a one-year extension through 2028
Zac Taylor and Duke Tobin released statements on the trade
Lawrence has been a Pro Bowl player three times

Cincinnati BengalsNew York GiantsDexter LawrenceJordan Love

Nov 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) scrambles away from New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Bengals made a blockbuster trade on Saturday, acquiring Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants in exchange for the 10th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Then on Sunday, the Bengals announced they had officially traded for Lawrence and signed him to a one-year contract extension through the 2028 season. We also got statements from Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and de facto GM Duke Tobin. “The opportunity to add a player of Dexter’s ability was too good to pass up thanks to the commitment by Mr. Brown, Katie Blackburn, Troy Blackburn, Paul Brown, and our player personnel staff,” said Tobin in a press release. “Dexter fits the vision we have on our defense and will also elevate others around him. We are confident in Dexter and can’t wait to see the positive effects he and the other players we have acquired this offseason have on our football team. “We are excited to turn to the draft and our remaining picks to further enhance our team.” Weighing in at 6-foot-4 and 342 pounds, Lawrence is an eighth-year player out of Clemson who was originally the 17th overall pick of the Giants in 2019. He has played in 109 career regular-season games with 102 starts for New York, totaling 341 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 30.5 sacks, 15 pass deflections, one interception, and five forced fumbles. “We are excited to add Dexter to our team,” said Taylor in a press release. “He has been a dominant player in the league since he was drafted, and he will be a tremendous presence on the field and in our locker room.” Lawrence has been voted to the Pro Bowl three times (2022-24) and twice selected to the All-Pro Second Team by the Associated Press (’22-23). A good day to say Who Dey!

Q&A

What did Zac Taylor say about the Dexter Lawrence trade?

Zac Taylor expressed excitement about adding Dexter Lawrence, highlighting his dominance and expected positive impact on the field and in the locker room.

What did Duke Tobin mention regarding the trade for Dexter Lawrence?

Duke Tobin stated that acquiring a player of Dexter's caliber was an opportunity too good to pass up and emphasized his fit within the team's defensive vision.

What are Dexter Lawrence's career stats and achievements?

Dexter Lawrence has played 109 regular-season games, recording 341 tackles, 30.5 sacks, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times from 2022 to 2024.