Dexter Lawrence trade reaction: Bengals shocking move sends clear message to the rest of the NFL
By John Breech
Published on April 19, 2026.
The Cincinnati Bengals have made a surprising move in the NFL, trading their 10th overall pick to the New York Giants in exchange for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. This is the first time in franchise history that the Bengals have traded a top-10 pick straight-up for a player. The move makes the team a Super Bowl contender and signals a shift from their previous reputation as being cheap and not making big moves. The trade also allows the Bengals to give Lawrence a hefty contract extension, likely paying him nearly $30 million per year. The deal is crucial for the team to keep star quarterback Joe Burrow happy, as he expressed a desire to compete for championships.
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