Giants Trade Dexter Lawrence to Bengals for 10th Overall Pick in Draft

 Former Giants defensive end Dexter Lawrence got his wish on Sunday when he was dealt to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in this week's NFL draft. 

The move ends a stunning frayed relationship between the G-men and arguably it's best defensive player, creating a huge hole in the middle of John Harbaugh's defense. Now Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen must use every opportunity before them, whether it be with the fifth overall pick, and, now, the 10th overall pick to address this issue. 

 

In a way it was surprising to see Lawrence take it this far. 

With a new head coach in place who carried a resume of Super Bowl success with the Baltimore Ravens, one would think that Lawrence would want to be a part of it. 

But according to reports Lawrence wanted either a new contract or a trade. He had grown frustrated with years of losing in  New York, and wanted to cash in.  As ESPN reported, the Giants felt that Lawrence was coming off his worst statistical season in 2025, and was making $42 million over the final two years of his current deal. 

New York tried to negotiate with him, adding money to his existing $20 million for this season while structuring it to help the team's cap structure, but, according to ESPN, Lawrence wasn't interested. 

So the Giants traded him to Cincinnati for the 10th overall pick. The Giants get great value here for a starting player who will be 29 come mid-November.  

Lawrence and the Bengals agreed to a one-year $28 million deal. 

It's a good get for Cincy who needs a big season from everyone in the building after the disappointment from 2025. If Joe Burrow is healthy the Bengals have a shot.  So adding Lawrence to chase around Lamar Jackson, Sheduer Sanders and Aaron Rodgers is advantageous to their goals for this year. 

 As for the Giants they can re-set. They can sign a veteran to hold the fort for now. Thursday is the draft. Safety Caleb Downs has been linked to the Giants via the Draft for some time. He should be there at five. To replace Lawrence, the Giants could consider Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), Caleb Banks (Florida) or Christen Miller (Georgia) and Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) either with the 10th overall pick, or a pick the second or third round on Friday. 

This will be a huge week for Schoen and Harbaugh to change the complexion of the Giants.