The Cincinnati Bengals have acquired three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants, a source confirmed to the Associated Press. The trade, reported on the night of Saturday, April 18, 2026, sends the Bengals' 10th overall selection in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft to New York.
Lawrence, a first-round pick by the Giants in 2019, has established himself as one of the league's premier interior defensive linemen. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2022, 2023, and 2024 and was named a First-Team All-Pro in 2022. Last season, he recorded 53 total tackles and 4.5 sacks.
The move represents a significant shift in strategy for the Bengals, who are using a premium draft asset to acquire a proven veteran talent to bolster their defensive front. For the Giants, the trade provides a major capital infusion as they look to rebuild, giving them two picks within the top 10 of the 2026 draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 23, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The trade cannot become official until the new league year begins, which for the 2026 season is on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
