Dexter Lawrence says he’s ‘on fire’ after the Giants traded him to the Bengals
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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 end to the Bengals for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft – a blockbuster deal that changes things in the first round starting with Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
Lawrence was the 17th overall pick of the 2019 draft, and quickly became a fan favorite with the Giants and arguably the best interior defensive lineman 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 on his contract and a new regime with John Harbaugh as the Giants’ new coach, Lawrence wanted out. In the past, players have used that as a strategic move to find a new, more profitable extension.
This wasn’t one of those times, but Lawrence sees this move to Cincinnati as a fresh start that has inspired 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 play-by-play broadcaster Dan Hoard, which was posted on the team’s official YouTube channel. “I appreciate that and I will do everything I can to show them that they did not play [a top 10 pick]. I am happy. I have a fire in me that I’ve never had, so I’m happy. I’m happy to be a Bengal.”
It was about money at the end of the day, when the Bengals issued a one-year, $28 million extension, keeping him with the team through the 2028 season for a total of three years and $70 million. He still had $42 million left on his previous deal with the Giants.
Lawrence added that his early season drama in New York was “a long process,” but he felt relieved and happy when the deal was made between the parties.
New York Giants’ Dexter Lawrence warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025. (Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
“God has passed me by, and right now, I’m ready to let my light shine and win more games.”
As Lawrence said, he hopes he won’t be disappointed in his new city considering the price the Bengals paid to acquire him. But the 340-pound defensive tackle has been a big problem for opposing linemen, collecting 30.5 sacks, 15 pass breakups, and 341 combined tackles (40 for loss) in 109 games with the Giants.
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Last season also marked the first time Lawrence played all 17 games of his career since the start of the regular season tournament in 2021.
“I know people will say [there’s] pressure, but I accept it,” said Lawrence. “I take it in. It doesn’t affect me, the pressure. I just know who I am and I will always stay true to that. I’m going to be the guy to help this defense take it to the next level.”
New York Giants running back Dexter Lawrence II’s touchdown in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, on Oct. 9, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Photos)
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With Lawrence looking forward to a fresh start, the Giants, armed with two top 10 players 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 hard with these important rookie additions.
The Giants have made the playoffs just twice since the 2016 season.
