The Cincinnati Bengals just shifted the NFL landscape completely with a trade for Dexter Lawrence.
The trade sees Lawrence go to Cincinnati in a deal that includes the 10th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Giants.
Bengals Acquire Superstar IDL Dexter Lawrence from the Giants
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 02: Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants takes the field against the San Francisco 49ers before the game at MetLife Stadium on November 02, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The report comes from Adam Schefter of ESPN.
“Draft week blockbuster: The Giants are trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in a deal that will include the 10th overall pick going to New York, per ESPN sources. The Giants now head into Thursday night with the 5th and 10th overall picks.”
Also per Schefter, there is an update on Lawrence’s plans to travel to Cincinnati.
“Dexter Lawrence is scheduled to travel to Cincinnati on Sunday for a physical that that would make the trade official. For now, the two sides have agreed to the trade, pending a physical.”
The Bengals are now completely out of the first round. However, they land one of the premier interior defensive linemen in the league.
This is an instant upgrade on the defense, and an interesting one considering the Bengals splurged for Jonathan Allen this offseason.
Schefter has now confirmed the full trade on X.
- Bengals receive: IDL Dexter Lawrence
- Giants receive: 10th overall selection in 2026
In 2025, Lawrence was the 9th-highest rated defensive tackle of 134 qualifying players by PFF (75.6). His 84.5 pass-rushing grade was 7th-highest in the NFL as well.
Lawrence started all 17 games in 2025. In those games, he totaled 8 QB hits, 4 pressures, .5 sacks, 31 tackles, and had an interception with a 37-yard return.
Bengals Make Major Trade for Superstar Dexter Lawrence