Bengals acquire Dexter Lawrence from Giants for No. 10 pick, give DT 1-year, $28M extension

Receiving such a excessive choice again is a large get for the Giants to kick-start the John Harbaugh period.

Already stocked with a possible franchise quarterback in Jason Dart and a distinction maker like Malik Nabers At wideout, it is an enormous alternative for New York to construct round Dart on a rookie contract, by including one other weapon or bolstering his safety. The Giants can even must plug a large gap now at DT alongside a defensive position that was already in want of some upgrades no matter whether or not Lawrence had remained on the town or not.

The commerce marks an rising openness by the Bengals, usually danger averse prior to now, to take huge swings. With Lawrence heading into his age-29 season, that is undoubtedly a win-now transfer, and paired with the lucrative extensions for broad receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins final offseason exhibits Cincinnati’s willingness to give Joe Burrow what he must compete.

Although he had a down 12 months in 2025, dropping from a career-high 9 sacks the season previous to 0.5, Lawrence continues to be an enforcer whose influence goes far past the stat sheet.

Lawrence eats up blockers, having seen a 53.2 double-team proportion since 2021, the best within the NFL throughout that span (minimal 750 snaps), per NFL Research. That proportion has amounted to 1,103 double groups on his cross rushes over the previous 5 seasons, making him the one participant in quadruple digits. Considering his new teammate, defensive finish BJ Hillranks third in that very same timeframe with 980 double groups, a nightmare could possibly be incoming for opposing offenses.

Blockers should select, and both Lawrence, Hill or one other Bengals cross rusher ought to profit.

The Bengals-Giants blockbuster may have ripple results to observe for many seasons to return, with Cincy loading up for a run and New York now able to rebuild in a rush.