NY Giants Made Dexter Lawrence Trade Much Earlier Than Planned?

Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images A new report suggests a failed trade from March played a major role in the New York Giants and Cincinnati Bengals completing a Dexter Lawrence deal earlier than expected. On Thursday night, the Giants had not one, but two picks in the top 10 of the NFL Draft . They, of course, had their selection at No.

5 after a miserable 4-13 showing last season. But they added the 10th overall selection after completing a long-rumored trade of tackle Dexter Lawrence last week. The three-time Pro Bowler wanted a major pay bump despite having seasons left on the extension he signed a couple of years ago.

The Giants were not interested in acquiescing to his request after a down year, and the two sides realized a divorce was needed. Fortunately for Big Blue, the Bengals were willing to give up a premium pick in Round 1 for his services. However, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio , Giants fans were not supposed to find out about getting a second pick until Thursday night.

“Based on conversations with multiple league sources, it’s believed that the failed Maxx Crosby trade was a significant factor in getting the deal done early. As one source put it, both teams were concerned about Lawrence passing a physical. Pre-Crosby, that would have been less of a concern.