AFC North adds another star as Bengals trade for Dexter Lawrence

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. A three-time Pro Bowler, Lawrence has made a name for himself as one of the most disruptive nose tackles in football.

Pressures from nose tackle, last three seasons:

Dexter Lawrence 103
Vita Vea 23
Jordan Davis 22

- Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) June 12, 2025

Cincinnati has spent numerous resources retooling its defensive front in recent seasons, signing Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen in 2026 free agency. Defensive ends Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy were the team's first-round picks in 2025 and 2023, respectively.

Cincinnati is expected to agree to a long-term deal with Lawrence in the near future.

In 2025, the Bengals finished with a 6-11, good for third in the AFC North.