The AFC North just added another elite defender, with the Bengals trading for New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday.
The trade reportedly includes the Bengals sending their first-round pick — No. 10 overall — in the 2026 draft to New York. Now, Cincinnati’s first pick is scheduled to be No. 41 overall.
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Lawrence, 28, is widely regarded as one of the best — if not the best — defensive linemen in the NFL. In 2025, he recorded 31 total tackles, half a sack, and four tackles for loss. A three-time Pro Bowler, Lawrence has made a name for himself as one of the most disruptive nose tackles in football.
Cincinnati has spent numerous resources retooling its defensive front in recent seasons, signing Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen in 2026 free agency. Defensive ends Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy were the team’s first-round picks in 2025 and 2023, respectively.
Cincinnati is expected to agree to a long-term deal with Lawrence in the near future.
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In 2025, the Bengals finished with a 6-11, good for third in the AFC North.
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