Dexter Lawrence trade grades: Did the Giants fleece the Bengals?

How did analysts around the Internet grade the New York Giants trade of Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? Let’s take a look.

SB Nation Giants: A … this move not only sees the Giants get a big return for a player that wanted out, but now they have two picks inside the top ten … and a lot of flexibility. Bengals: A- This is an aggressive move by the Bengals, but it fits with the team’s “win-now” mentality and also fits with other offseason acquisitions. Cincinnati already added Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, and Bryan Cook to their defense this offseason, By adding Lawrence as well, the Bengals have vastly improved that side of the ball, at least on paper.

USA Today Giants: B+ A team clearly in a rebuild posture − even if expectations have been significantly raised after the arrival of Harbaugh − now has two more assets with which to restock the roster and, perhaps, help Dart’s development directly. Lawrence’s departure leaves a void that will need to be addressed, but Harbaugh and Schoen knew a defense that ranked 28th with Lawrence in 2025 would need work. Bengals: B A team that’s finished second to last league-wide in total defense in two of the past three seasons (and 25th overall in 2024) continues to get a major remake on that side of the ball.

The acquisition of Lawrence, who’s just 28, comes at a time when the team seems to have as good a shot as any to win its division − especially with Burrow in his prime. And given how weak the 2026 draft seems to be on top-tier talent, and especially so at defensive tackle, this seems like a calculated risk that could pay off handsomely − despite its cost in draft capital and actual funds. Lawrence will obviously need to play better than he did in 2025.