Dexter Lawrence Vows New 'Fire' After Giants Trade

Defensive tackle says he's motivated for next season with Bengals

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:42am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange intersecting to create a dynamic, abstract representation of athletic energy and intensity.A cubist interpretation of Dexter Lawrence's renewed energy and determination after his trade to the Bengals.Cincinnati Today

In his first comments since being traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence said he has a new 'fire' and motivation heading into the next NFL season. Lawrence, a former first-round pick, was a key part of the Giants' defense but was dealt to the Bengals this offseason.

Why it matters

Lawrence is a talented young player who should provide a boost to the Bengals' defensive line. His comments suggest he's eager to prove himself and take his game to the next level after the trade, which could make the Bengals' defense even more formidable next season.

The details

In a recent interview, Lawrence said he has a 'fire in me that I've never had before' following the trade from the Giants to the Bengals. The 25-year-old defensive tackle was a first-round pick by the Giants in 2019 and has been a consistent presence on their defensive line, but the team decided to move him to Cincinnati this offseason.

  • Lawrence was traded from the Giants to the Bengals in April 2026.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A 25-year-old defensive tackle who was traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2026 offseason.

New York Giants

The NFL team that traded Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cincinnati Bengals

The NFL team that acquired Dexter Lawrence in a trade with the New York Giants.

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What they’re saying

“I've got a fire in me that I've never had before.”

— Dexter Lawrence, Defensive Tackle

The takeaway

Lawrence's comments suggest he's highly motivated to prove himself with the Bengals and take his game to new heights. This could be a significant boost for Cincinnati's defense as they look to build on their success and make a deep playoff run next season.