CINCINNATI — No one can say the Bengals are sitting on their hands anymore this offseason.
In a shocking move pulled off Saturday night, the Bengals have acquired three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants in a blockbuster trade finalized earlier in the day. But there was certainly a steep cost. In exchange for the elite interior defender, Cincinnati sent the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to New York.
In other words, the Bengals want the veteran with a resume instead of the prospect with great upside. And with the likelihood that Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs would all be off the board at No. 10, they decided to make the move for the established defensive star.
The 28-year-old Lawrence brings a transformative presence to a Bengals defense that has aggressively sought to bolster its front line this offseason. Lawrence wanted out of New York after the Giants refused to extend him. The Bengals are reportedly set to rip up the current deal that has two years and $39.5 million remaining, giving him a new deal before he plays a down for the Stripes. Lawrence was reportedly seeking a deal in the range of $30 million per year, which would make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history.
At 6’4″ and 340 lbs, “Sexy Dexy” is widely regarded as one of the most dominant “space-eating” nose tackles in the league. His presence immediately addresses the Bengals’ need for an A-gap anchor capable of attracting constant double-teams, which frees up edge rushers and linebackers.
Run Stoppage: Lawrence is a premier run-stuffer who recorded 31 tackles and seven stuffs in 2025.
Pass Rush Impact: Unlike traditional nose tackles, Lawrence offers elite interior pressure; he recorded a career-high 9 sacks in just 12 games during the 2024 season.
Playmaking: His rare athleticism for his size was on display in 2025 when he recorded four pass deflections and a 37-yard interception.
Lawrence joins a revamped defensive front that already includes veteran standout Jonathan Allen and emerging edge rusher Boye Mafe. His arrival creates a formidable interior duo with Allen, likely forcing opposing offensive lines into impossible blocking assignments. Furthermore, the move reunites Lawrence with former Giants teammate B.J. Hill, whose cryptic social media posts in early April hinted at the potential trade.
By trading a top-10 draft pick, the Bengals have signaled a total commitment to their current championship window centered around quarterback Joe Burrow. Rather than gambling on a rookie prospect, Cincinnati opted for a proven All-Pro entering his prime at age 28. Don’t underestimate the fact that the Bengals have dealt with first-round disappointment picks in the last several years, players like Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart that didn’t put up massive numbers in their rookie seasons. With Lawrence, the Bengals are assuming the player they were looking for to make a massive impact wouldn’t be there on the board.
Following the trade, the Bengals are without a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Their remaining draft assets are now focused on Day 2 and Day 3, where they hold their natural selections to fill remaining defensive needs at edge, linebacker and cornerback, in addition to potential offensive line picks.
Round 2 (Friday): Pick No. 41
Round 3 (Friday): Pick No. 73
Rounds 4-7 (Saturday) Picks
Round 4: No. 110
Round 6: No. 189
Round 6: No. 199
Round 7: No. 221
Round 7: No. 226
Here’s what the new Bengals defensive line looks like:
LDE Myles Murphy, Isaiah Foskey
DT (NT) Dexter Lawrence, T.J. Slaton Jr., McKinnley Jackson
DT (3-Tech) Jonathan Allen, B.J. Hill, Jordan Jefferson
RDE Shemar Stewart, Boye Mafe (Free Agent Addition)
The defensive line now features three former first-round picks: Lawrence, Allen, Murphy and second-year edge Shemar Stewart.
