The New York Giants have made the kind of splash move that signals a new era, trading star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. It marks the first time since Randy Moss was dealt to the Oakland Raiders in 2005 that a non-quarterback has fetched a top-10 selection.
Lawrence reportedly submitted a trade request, believed to be rooted in a contract dispute. New head coach John Harbaugh, borrowing a page from longtime AFC North rival Mike Tomlin, decided he didn't want reluctant players on his roster. "He apparently doesn't want hostages either," Yahoo Sports noted.
The trade leaves a gap on a Giants defense that already struggled against the run last season, but it gives Harbaugh a powerful hand to play on draft night. New York now holds the fifth and 10th overall picks — the franchise's first double dip in the top 10 since 2022, when it selected Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal. Thibodeaux has been serviceable with 23.5 career sacks, but Neal has been a major bust, and the failure to capitalize on both picks is a key reason the Giants have lost 38 games over three seasons.
This time, the Giants appear more focused. They don't need a quarterback or an edge rusher, which narrows the board. Buzz has built around Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson after the team attended his workout, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love — widely considered the best player in the draft — could be available at five. On defense, names like off-ball linebacker Sonny Styles, cornerback Mansoor Delane and safety Caleb Downs could all be in play.
For a franchise deep in a rebuild, the Lawrence trade is a gamble that the combined value of two premium draft picks outweighs one elite interior defender. Whether it works depends entirely on whether Harbaugh and the front office can identify the right players — something the Giants have recently struggled to do.
