The Cincinnati Bengals shook up the AFC North and the 2026 NFL Draft order with a blockbuster trade on Saturday night, acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants , according to multiple reports.
The Giants will acquire the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as part of the exchange, giving the Giants and new head coach John Harbaugh picks at No. 5 and No. 10 in the first round on Thursday night in Pittsburgh .
Lawrence, a two-time All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle in his seven seasons with the Giants, had requested a trade in advance of the 2026 season. He has two years remaining on the four-year, $87.5 million contract extension he signed with the Giants in 2023.
Lawrence is currently scheduled to earn $20 million this season and $19.5 million in 2027.
The Bengals have been looking to upgrade their defensive line for years, using high draft picks on Myles Murphy , Shemar Stewart and Kris Jenkins over the last few years. But Cincinnati gave up an NFL-high 2,500 rushing yards in 2025.
With star quarterback Joe Burrow and big money wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in the fold on offense, Cincinnati now has a star-level player to anchor its defense, as well.
The Giants will now dominate then conversation in the top ten, with a pair of picks as Harbaugh looks to remake Big Blue in his image.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Bengals Make Pre-Draft Blockbuster Trade, Shake Up 2026 NFL Draft
Related Headlines
