Giants Trade Dexter Lawrence to Bengals Ahead of Draft

The high-profile move could have major implications for both teams' defenses.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 10:56am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a defensive lineman's tackle broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the Bengals and Giants uniforms.The blockbuster trade of star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the Giants to the Bengals promises to reshape the defensive landscape in the NFL.NYC Today

The New York Giants have traded three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in a surprise move just days before the 2026 NFL Draft. The deal sends Lawrence, a dominant interior lineman, to Cincinnati in exchange for the 10th overall pick.

Why it matters

This trade represents a significant shakeup in the league's defensive landscape, as Lawrence was a cornerstone of the Giants' defense. The Bengals are now poised to add a premier talent to their own defensive front, potentially giving them a major boost as they look to build on their recent success.

The details

The Giants will receive the 10th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft from the Bengals in exchange for Lawrence, who has been a standout player since being drafted 17th overall by New York in 2019. The 25-year-old has made the Pro Bowl three times and is considered one of the league's best interior defensive linemen.

  • The trade was announced on Saturday, April 19, 2026, just days before the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle who has been a cornerstone of the New York Giants' defense since being drafted in 2019.

New York Giants

The NFL franchise that has traded away star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cincinnati Bengals

The NFL franchise that has acquired three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants in exchange for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Dexter Lawrence is one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in the league. This trade gives us a chance to add a premier talent to our defensive front and build on the progress we've made in recent years.”

— Mike Brown, Owner, Cincinnati Bengals

“It's always tough to trade away a player of Dexter's caliber, but we feel this move puts us in a strong position to address our needs in the draft and continue improving our roster.”

— Joe Schoen, General Manager, New York Giants

What’s next

The Bengals will look to integrate Lawrence into their defensive scheme, while the Giants will now have the 10th overall pick to potentially address other areas of need in the upcoming draft.

The takeaway

This high-profile trade between the Giants and Bengals represents a significant shift in the NFL's defensive landscape, with both teams hoping the move will pay dividends as they aim to strengthen their rosters and contend for playoff berths in the 2026 season.