Giants trade star DT Dexter Lawrence to Bengals for 10th overall pick

New York now holds two top-10 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft after dealing its best defensive player.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured, multi-angled movements of a football player making a tackle, with the vibrant colors of the Giants and Bengals uniforms visible in the abstract shapes.The Giants' trade of star DT Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals represents a pivotal shift in the team's direction under new leadership.NYC Today

The New York Giants have traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Giants, now holding the 5th and 10th overall selections, are looking to turbocharge their roster in John Harbaugh's first season as head coach.

Why it matters

Dexter Lawrence was the Giants' best defensive player, so his departure is a significant loss. However, the two top-10 picks give the Giants a chance to add major talent on both sides of the ball as they look to rebuild under new leadership.

The details

According to a Giants source, the Bengals offered the highest price for Lawrence, giving up the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft. While the Giants wanted to keep Lawrence, the star defensive tackle made it clear he wanted to be traded, leaving the team little choice but to find the best deal possible.

  • The trade was completed on April 20, 2026.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A star defensive tackle for the New York Giants who requested a trade and was dealt to the Cincinnati Bengals.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants, taking over the team in his first season.

Sonny Styles

A player commonly linked to the Giants in the upcoming NFL Draft, which they now have two top-10 picks to work with.

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What’s next

The Giants will now focus on making the most of their two top-10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, likely targeting both offensive and defensive talent to build around in John Harbaugh's first season.

The takeaway

This trade represents a significant shift for the Giants, as they part ways with their best defensive player in Dexter Lawrence but gain valuable draft capital to potentially accelerate their rebuild under new leadership. The success of this deal will hinge on how the Giants utilize the 5th and 10th overall picks.