AFC North adds another star as Bengals trade for Dexter Lawrence
The Bengals defense just got tougher.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 28: Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) | Getty Images 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. Draft week blockbuster: The Giants are trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in a deal that will include the 10th overall pick going to New York, per ESPN sources.
The Giants now head into Thursday night with the 5th and 10th overall picks. pic. twitter.
com/cV6Qobp6Aq — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 19, 2026 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. 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.