Giants Trade Dexter Lawrence

The New York Giants made a blockbuster trade Saturday night, sending All Pro Defensive Tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals.

In return, the Giants will receive the 10th overall pick in Thursday’s NFL draft. The trade is pending a physical and Lawrencefinalizing a new contract with the Bengals.

Lawrence requested a trade earlier this month after him and the Giants could not come to terms on a new contract. His wish was granted Saturday night.

Does this Help or Hurt the Giants?

This trade is going to have huge ripple effects on what the Giants do before their 102nd season. For starters, the Giants best defensive player is on the Bengals. Though he was not productive in 2025, he still was the longest tenured Giant over this period of constant losing.

But the Giants now command two picks in the top ten of the draft. It gives the Giants a choice of what to do on Thursday night. They can either keep both picks, or trade the fifth overall pick to another team for a player or greater draft equity. Sources indicated that there have been at least seven teams that have shown interest in trading up to five in the draft.

If the Giants really want a player, like Sonny Styles or Caleb Downs in the draft at five, they should keep both picks. If it benifits the team long-term to make a trade, then they need to find the best offer, one they can’t pass up. Right now, I side that the Giants should hold both picks and choose players who will be here for a bit and make an impact.