The New York Giants are sending defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals a source confirmed to Big Blue View on Saturday night.
The deal means the Giants now have picks 5 and 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday night.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Giants and Bengals had been discussing a Lawrence trade for the past two weeks. The Bengals wanted an impact defender with the 10th pick. The 28-year-old Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowler and perhaps
the best nose tackle in the NFL, gives them that.
This from Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports largely summarizes why a deal ended up happening:
The Giants tried hard to make it work with Dexter Lawrence, a source said, but they weren’t going to meet his contract demands off a bad season. Plus, Lawrence’s unhappiness and frustration had become deep with all the losing. He wanted out. And the Giants got a great deal.
A report earlier on Saturday had indicated the Giants were “doing everything we can” to keep the 2019 first-round pick, but that Lawrence had drawn “a line in the sand” financially and was unwilling to budge.
There were also reports that Lawrence was simply no longer happy being with the Giants.
So, both sides get what they want. Lawrence gets a fresh start with the Bengals. The Giants get an early first-round pick and, with two picks in the top 10, a chance to give their roster a huge jolt as the team enters the John Harbaugh era. The Giants also get to maintain their second-round pick, No. 37 overall.
Previous reporting had the Giants asking for a first-round pick in a Lawrence trade. Jordan Ranaan of ESPN said this upon learning of the deal:
“A Top 10 pick is a coup for the #Giants. Most people around the league didn’t think that was possible.“
NFL insider Mike Garafolo also confirmed that league insiders thought the best the Giants would get would a late first-round pick.
Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team said this move was a clear statement from Harbaugh:
John Harbaugh has made it clear—if you don’t want to be a Giant and give it your all, you won’t be here. Dexter Lawrence wanted out, and he got his wish.
Lawrence is traveling to Cincinnati Sunday to take a physical that would make the trade official.
What might the Giants do with the 10th pick in the draft? GM Joe Schoen was in Arizona on Friday to watch wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who could be taken in that range, work out.
The Giants have recently had free agent visits from veteran defensive tackles D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris. One, or both, could be signed to help make up for the loss of Lawrence in the middle of the Giants’ defensive line.
The deal also removes Lawrence’s $18.5 million in base salary from the Giants’ books. The 10th overall pick will be a $5.7 million cap hit. So, the Giants gain nearly $13 million in cap space in the trade.
Giants’ updated draft picks
Round 1 (No. 5)
Round 1 (No. 10)
Round 2 (No. 37)
Round 4 (No. 105)
Round 5 (No. 145)
Round 6 (No. 186)
Round 6 (No. 192)
Round 6 (No. 193)
How are you feeling, Giants fans?
