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Dexter Lawrence’s new chapter in the NFL has begun, and he admitted for the first time since the New York Giants traded him to the Cincinnati Bengals that he has a “fire in me that I’ve never had before.”
The Giants granted Lawrence’s trade request on Saturday, sending the three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle to the Bengals in exchange for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft — a blockbuster deal that changes things in the first round that starts from Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
The 17th overall pick in the 2019 draft, Lawrence quickly became a fan favorite for the Giants as well as arguably the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL.
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Dexter Lawrence II of the New York Giants warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
But despite two years left on his contract and a new regime with John Harbaugh in place as the Giants’ new head coach, Lawrence wanted out. In the past, players have used it as a strategic move to get a new, more lucrative expansion.
This wasn’t one of those times, but Lawrence sees this new move to Cincinnati as a fresh start that has him more motivated than ever.
GIANTS TRADE STAR DEFENSIVE TACKLE DEXTER LAWRENCE TO BENGALS IN DRAFT WEEK BLOCKBUSTER
“They wanted me here and they appreciate the work I’ve put in the last seven seasons,” Lawrence told Bengals radio play-by-play announcer Dan Hoard, as posted on the team’s official YouTube channel. “I appreciate it and I’ll do everything I can to show them they didn’t waste [a top 10 pick]. I’m excited. I’ve got a fire in me that I’ve never had before, so I’m excited. I am excited to be Bengali.”
It was also about money at the end of the day, with the Bengals handing out a one-year, $28 million extension that will keep him with the team through the 2028 season for a total of three years and $70 million. He still had $42 million left on his previous deal with the Giants.
Lawrence added that his offseason drama in New York was a “long process,” but he felt relief and excitement when the deal was finally reached between the teams.
Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025. (Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
“God got me through it and right now I’m ready to let my light shine and win some games.”
As Lawrence mentioned, he hopes not to be a disappointment in his new city considering the amount the Bengals paid to acquire him. But the 340-pound defensive tackle has been something of a problem for opposing offensive lines, collecting 30.5 sacks, 15 pass breakups and 341 combined tackles (40 for loss) in 109 career games with the Giants.
TRADE COULD SAVE NFL DRAFT LACK OF FRANCHISE QBS, POLARIZE PLAYERS FROM BEING A GABLER
Last season also marked the first time Lawrence played all 17 games in his career since they implemented the extra regular season competition in 2021.
“I know people will say [there’s] pressure, but I embrace it,” Lawrence said. “I bring it in. It doesn’t affect me, the pressure. I just know who I am and I will stay true to that. I want to be the guy that helps this defense go to the next level.”
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II moves during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on October 9, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
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While Lawrence looks forward to new beginnings, the Giants, armed with two picks in the top 10 in the first round of this year’s draft — they also have No. 5 — Harbaugh and the rest of the team will look to hit it big with these key rookie additions.
The Giants have made the playoffs just twice since the 2016 season.
