New Dexter Lawrence Rumors Update Contract Buzz After Reported Bengals-Giants Trade

The New York Giants have reportedly agreed to trade defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, per ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jordan Raanan.

Now, NFL insider Jordan Schultz has reported that the Bengals are expected to sign Lawrence to a long-term deal after he passes a physical.

Lawrence signed a four-year, $90 million extension in May 2024, per Over the Cap. That contract runs through 2027.

The Giants wanted to keep Lawrence aboard, but it was clear he wanted to leave town. SNY's Connor Hughes explained the situation.

"An offer like that seems like a no-doubt, slam-dunk. The Giants, though, still hoped they could figure out something to keep Lawrence with them. No matter what they did, though, per sources, it 'wasn't good enough.'

"They tried – and kept trying. They simply couldn't agree to the structure of a reworked deal. Lawrence, per team sources, never even gave the team an idea of what he was looking for in terms of per-year salary or guarantees."

Ian O'Connor of The Athletic also provided insight.

In the end, the Giants moved on and got a great return with the 10th overall pick. Meanwhile, this is a crucial move for the Bengals, who allowed the third-most points in the league last year and lost star defensive end Trey Hendrickson in free agency to the Baltimore Ravens.

Assuredly, it behooves the Bengals to get something done quickly with the 28-year-old Lawrence, who becomes Cincinnati's defensive centerpiece. The table is set for the Bengals to excel on offense yet again, but they need help defensively. They did add some players via free agency, including defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, safety Bryan Cook, safety Kyle Dugger and defensive end Boye Maye.

However, Lawrence is the star of the show, and it would seem it's a matter of if and not when he gets a new deal.