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Bengals Swap No. 10 Pick for Giants’ DT Dexter Lawrence

4/23/2026

42 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Bengals Trade Lawrence

The Cincinnati Bengals traded the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
The Bengals now hold picks No. 41, 72, 110, 189, 199, 221 and 226.
The move crowds the interior line, making DT T.J. Slaton Jr., DT Kris Jenkins Jr. and third-round pick McKinnley Jackson trade candidates.
Albert Breer said the Lawrence deal could signal more aggressive draft-day trades.

Summary

Woods Endorses Trade

Ickey Woods said the Lawrence trade boosts his confidence in the defense.
Solomon Wilcots said the move could help the team recapture the 1988 Super Bowl spirit.
Cincinnati fans are buzzing, believing the front office is fully committed to a championship push.
The trade includes a one-year extension for Lawrence.
Coaches and players say pressure is high for immediate success.

Summary

Bengals Reject Trade

The Bengals explored a trade for Maxx Crosby but rejected the first-round picks the Ravens demanded.
Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension with a $30 million 2026 base and an out after 2027.
Cincinnati signed Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen at $20 million per year each and did not pursue Trey Hendrickson.
Analysts say the Lawrence deal reflects fears Joe Burrow could become a free agent if the Bengals miss the playoffs again.

History

Historical Context

The Cincinnati Bengals, led by quarterback Boomer Esiason, achieved a remarkable 12-4 record in the 1988 season, culminating in a Super Bowl XXIII appearance against the San Francisco 49ers on January 22, 1989. Despite their strong performance, the Bengals lost 20-16, marking a peak for the franchise that has since sought to reclaim its competitive edge, recently trading for Dexter Lawrence to bolster their defense.

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Bengals Trade Lawrence

The Cincinnati Bengals traded the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
The Bengals now hold picks No. 41, 72, 110, 189, 199, 221 and 226.
The move crowds the interior line, making DT T.J. Slaton Jr., DT Kris Jenkins Jr. and third-round pick McKinnley Jackson trade candidates.
Albert Breer said the Lawrence deal could signal more aggressive draft-day trades.

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