Bengals Acquire Superstar DT Dexter Lawrence in Blockbuster Trade

Cincinnati sends 10th overall pick to Giants for All-Pro defensive tackle

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:35am

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The Cincinnati Bengals have pulled off a blockbuster trade, sending the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the New York Giants in exchange for superstar defensive tackle Dexter 'Sexy Dexy' Lawrence. The move is part of the Bengals' effort to 'go all in' with their talented offense led by Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins by significantly upgrading their defense.

Why it matters

The Bengals' defense has struggled in recent seasons, and the acquisition of Lawrence, an instant-impact, proven All-Pro talent, is expected to provide a major boost to their defensive line. Lawrence will team up with former Giants teammate B.J. Hill to form a formidable interior duo.

The details

In the blockbuster trade, the Bengals are sending the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Giants in exchange for Lawrence, a 27-year-old defensive tackle who has made the Pro Bowl in three of his first five seasons. Lawrence is known for his versatility and disruptive presence on the defensive line.

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

The players

Dexter 'Sexy Dexy' Lawrence

A 27-year-old defensive tackle who has made the Pro Bowl in three of his first five seasons in the NFL. Lawrence is known for his versatility and disruptive presence on the defensive line.

Joe Burrow

The star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, who the team is looking to 'go all in' with by significantly upgrading their defense.

Ja'Marr Chase

The star wide receiver of the Cincinnati Bengals, who the team is looking to 'go all in' with by significantly upgrading their defense.

Tee Higgins

The star wide receiver of the Cincinnati Bengals, who the team is looking to 'go all in' with by significantly upgrading their defense.

B.J. Hill

The defensive tackle who will team up with Dexter Lawrence to form a formidable interior duo on the Bengals' defensive line.

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What they’re saying

“It is worth the read.”

— Warren Sharp, Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Bengals will look to continue improving their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season, with the goal of building a championship-caliber team around their talented core of Burrow, Chase, Higgins, and now Lawrence.

The takeaway

The Bengals have made a bold move to significantly upgrade their defense by trading a first-round pick for the proven All-Pro talent of Dexter Lawrence. This trade signals the team's commitment to 'going all in' with their talented offense and building a championship-contending roster.