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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 never had before.”
The Giants fulfilled Lawrence’s trade request on Saturday, sending the three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle to the Bengals in exchange for the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft — a blockbuster deal that changes things in the first round that begins in Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
Lawrence was the 17th overall pick in the 2019 draft, and he quickly became a Giants fan favorite 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 before 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 more years 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 this as a strategic move to get a new, more lucrative expansion.
It wasn’t one of those times, but Lawrence considers this new move to Cincinnati a fresh start that motivates him more than ever.
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“They wanted me here and they appreciate the work I’ve done over the last seven seasons,” Lawrence told Bengals radio play-by-play announcer Dan Hoard, which was posted on the team’s official YouTube channel. “I appreciate that and I’m going to do everything I can to show them that they didn’t waste [a top 10 pick]. I’m excited. I have a fire in me that I’ve never had before, so I’m excited. I’m excited to be a Bengal.”
It was also about money in the end, with the Bengals agreeing to a one-year, $28 million extension that keeps him with the team through the 2028 season for a total of three years and $70 million. He still had $42 million remaining on his previous contract 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 this, and now I’m ready to let my light shine and win some games.”
As Lawrence mentioned, he hopes not to be disappointed in his new city considering the amount the Bengals paid to acquire him. But the 340-pound defensive tackle has been quite a problem for opposing offensive lines, collecting 30.5 sacks, 15 assists and 341 combined tackles (40 for loss) in 109 career games with the Giants.
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Last season also marked the first time Lawrence played all 17 games in his career since the implementation of additional regular season competition in 2021.
“I know people will say [there’s] “Pressure, but I accept it,” Lawrence said. “I bring it. It doesn’t affect me, the pressure. I just know who I am and I’m going to stay true to that. I’m going to be the guy that helps this defense get 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, New Jersey on October 9, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
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As Lawrence contemplates a fresh start, the Giants, armed with two top-10 picks 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 big with these key rookie additions.
The Giants have only made the playoffs twice since the 2016 season.
