Bengals Acquire Dexter Lawrence Without Trading Pick No.10

Cincinnati might be able to land the Giants star defensive tackle without giving up their first-round selection.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:52am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match between the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the potential trade negotiations between the Bengals and Giants over star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.Indianapolis Today

The Cincinnati Bengals are exploring a potential trade for New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who has reportedly requested a trade from the Giants. The Bengals are hesitant to part with their first-round pick (No. 10 overall) in a deal for Lawrence, but a proposed trade could allow them to acquire the star DT without giving up that selection.

Why it matters

Dexter Lawrence is a dominant defensive tackle who would significantly bolster the Bengals' defensive line. Acquiring him without sacrificing their top draft pick would be a major coup for Cincinnati as they look to build on their recent success and make another deep playoff run.

The details

The proposed trade would have the Bengals sending their second-round pick (No. 41 overall) in 2026, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and defensive tackle TJ Slaton to the Giants. In return, the Bengals would receive Lawrence and a 2027 sixth-round pick. This would allow the Bengals to land Lawrence without having to part with their valuable first-round selection at No. 10.

  • On April 17, 2026, reports surfaced that Dexter Lawrence wants out of New York and is seeking a new contract from the Giants.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for late April, where the Bengals hold the No. 10 overall pick.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A star defensive tackle for the New York Giants who has reportedly requested a trade from the team.

TJ Slaton

A defensive tackle currently on the Cincinnati Bengals roster who would be included in the proposed trade.

Duke Tobin

The general manager of the Cincinnati Bengals who would be responsible for negotiating and executing any potential trade for Dexter Lawrence.

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What they’re saying

“If Dexter Lawrence has his wish, he will not suit up for the Giants again. He wants out. His desire for a new contract from the only NFL team he has ever played for resulted in talks but nothing substantial from a financial standpoint. And now, he wants to turn the page and move on.”

— Paul Schwartz, New York Post Reporter

What’s next

The Bengals and Giants will need to continue negotiations to finalize the details of a potential trade for Dexter Lawrence. The Bengals will want to avoid giving up their first-round pick at No. 10, while the Giants will likely push for a higher draft selection in return for their star defensive tackle.

The takeaway

This proposed trade would be a major win for the Bengals, allowing them to acquire a premier defensive talent in Dexter Lawrence without sacrificing their valuable first-round pick. If Cincinnati can pull off this deal, it would significantly bolster their defensive line and improve their chances of making another deep playoff run in 2026.