April 19, 2026, 7:31 a.m. ET
In a stunning pre-draft move, the New York Giants traded three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
The deal, reported Saturday, gives the Giants the fifth and 10th selections in the first round, bolstering their ability to rebuild under new leadership.
Multiple NFL coaches expressed surprise at the return New York received, reports SNY’s Connor Hughes.
While they described Lawrence as a very good player, several questioned whether he warranted a top-10 selection. Concerns cited included his age, recent injury history, conditioning, and the need to manage his snap count to maintain effectiveness, as he primarily operates at one position.
The transaction allows the Giants to shed significant salary cap obligations tied to Lawrence while acquiring premium draft capital. For the Bengals, the addition provides an immediate veteran anchor for their defensive line.
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Some analysts view the swap as a savvy business decision for New York, capitalizing on market dynamics in what many consider a weaker draft class for high-impact interior linemen. It also rids the team of a disgruntled player who, at times, appeared to lack effort in 2025.
