New York Giants Trade Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati Bengals for 2026 NFL Draft Pick No. 10 The New York Giants have traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to multiple verified reports. The deal, which became official following its inclusion on the league’s transaction wire, gives the Giants two first-round selections in this year’s draft while adding a proven interior defender to Cincinnati’s roster. Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowl selection (2022–2024), spent all seven of his NFL seasons with the Giants after being selected 17th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. His trade request, submitted on April 6, came after contract extension talks with New York reached an impasse. The Giants, now under general manager Joe Schoen, receive significant draft capital in return, positioning themselves to accelerate their ongoing roster rebuild. As a result of the trade, the Giants’ 2026 draft order includes two first-round picks: their original No. 5 selection and the newly acquired No. 10 pick from Cincinnati. They retain all other previously held selections, including second-round (No. 37), fourth-round (No. 105), fifth-round (No. 145), and three sixth-round picks (Nos. 186, 192, and 193). The latter two sixth-round selections were obtained in prior trades involving Darren Waller (Miami) and Jordan Phillips (Dallas). For the Bengals, the acquisition of Lawrence adds a veteran presence to their defensive line ahead of the 2026 season. Cincinnati also signed Lawrence to a one-year, $28 million contract extension, as reported by NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The move aims to bolster Cincinnati’s interior defense following a three-year playoff absence. The trade marks the second consecutive year the Giants have entered the draft with multiple first-round picks. In 2025, they selected outside linebacker Abdul Carter at No. 3 and later traded back into the first round to draft quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25. Under Schoen’s tenure, this is the third time New York has held two first-round selections, having previously drafted Kayvon Thibodeaux (No. 5) and Evan Neal (No. 7) in 2022. With enhanced flexibility in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Giants are positioned to address key roster needs, particularly along the defensive line and other areas identified during their evaluation process. The additional pick provides greater opportunity to trade up, down, or stand pat based on how the board unfolds in Pittsburgh, where the draft is being held.
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