Dexter Lawrence says he has a ‘fire’ after Giants trade him to Bengals
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Dexter Lawrence’s new chapter in the NFL has begun, and he admits that for the first time since the New York Giants traded him to the Cincinnati Bengals, he has “a fire inside me that I’ve never had before.”
The Giants honored Lawrence’s trade request on Saturday, sending the three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle to the Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It was a blockbuster deal that changed things up with the first tour set to kick off Thursday night in Pittsburgh.
Lawrence was the 17th overall pick of the 2019 draft and quickly became a fan favorite for the Giants, arguably the best inside linebacker in the NFL.
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Dexter Lawrence II of the New York Giants warms up before the NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
But despite two more years left on his contract and the new regime with John Harbaugh as the Giants’ new head coach, Lawrence wanted out. In the past, players used this as a strategic move to obtain a new, more lucrative extension.
This wasn’t one of those times, but Lawrence sees this new move to Cincinnati as a fresh start that will motivate him more than ever.
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“They wanted me here and they appreciate the work I’ve put in over the last seven seasons.” Lawrence told Bengals radio play-by-play announcer Dan Hoard posted on the official team’s YouTube channel. “I appreciate it and will do everything I can to show them that they don’t waste. [a top 10 pick]. I am excited. There’s a fire inside me that I’ve never felt before, so I’m excited. “I’m excited to be a Bengali.”
At the end of the day, it was also about money; The Bengals handed out a one-year, $28 million extension that will keep him with the team for a total of three years and $70 million through the 2028 season. He still had $42 million left on his previous deal with the Giants.
Lawrence added that the offseason drama in New York was “a long process,” but he felt relief and excitement when the agreement was finally made between the teams.
New York Giants’ Dexter Lawrence warms up before his game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 21, 2025 at MetLife Stadium. (Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
“God put me through this and right now I’m ready to let my light shine and win some games.”
As Lawrence noted, he hopes to avoid disappointment in his new city, given the amount the Bengals paid to acquire him. But the 340-pound defensive tackle has been quite a problem for opponents against offensive lines, compiling 30.5 sacks, 15 pass breakups and 341 combined tackles (40 for loss) in 109 career games with the Giants.
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Last season was also the first time Lawrence played all 17 games in his career since they implemented extra regular season competition in 2021.
“I know people will say [there’s] “I accept the pressure, but I embrace it,” Lawrence said. “I’m taking it in. The pressure doesn’t affect me. I just know who I am and I’m going to stay true to that. I’m going to be the guy to help this defense take it to the next level.”
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II gestures 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 to fresh starts, the Giants, armed with two top-10 picks in the first round of this year’s draft — they also have the No. 5 pick — will look to find big success with Harbaugh and the rest of the team with these key rookie additions.
The Giants have made the playoffs just twice since the 2016 season.
