The New York Giants remain optimistic about Dexter Lawrence despite his trade request prior to the 2026 NFL season. Though trading him seems to be the G-Men’s last resource, Lawrence’s market around the league is high, and New York could get a king’s ransom in return. According to a report, the Cincinnati Bengals could come up with a very appealing offer.
Although the Giants want to keep Lawrence, Harbaugh has left the door open on potential Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux trades. That door that was left ajar may be flung wide open as Cincinnati could put together a trade package the Giants can’t resist.
According to New York Post reporter Adam Schein, the Bengals could offer their second and third-round selections (41st and 72nd overall) in the upcoming NFL Draft in exchange for Lawrence. “I would pay [Lawrence], but [the Giants] have to balance everything here. Including that Cincinnati [Bengals] package,” Schein commented.
Why such a trade package makes sense for Giants
Such a trade package from the Bengals would also be aligned with the Giants’ reported asking price for Lawrence. New York could be asking for a late first-rounder or a second-round selection. If the G-Men can get a second, as well as a third, it may be enough to convince them to pull the trigger on a Lawrence trade. As it stands, though, the Giants are far from sold on shipping their star nose tackle away.
Dexter Lawrence II is a name to watch in the NFL’s trade market.
Harbaugh stated he wants to keep Lawrence, and he believes Lawrence wants to stay in New York, as well. The 63-year-old knows his way around the NFL—this isn’t his first rodeo—and he knows how Lawrence may be using the trade request to gain leverage in contract negotiations. At the end of the day, words are like wind, and what Lawrence says in April can be easily forgotten come September if the two sides agree on a restructured deal..
Cincinnati’s perspective
If it comes down to it, then Cincinnati may have the best offer on the table for New York. Still, other reports also hint it may be the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears who have the advantage, because they have late first-round picks available to trade. Cincinnati, on the other hand, drafts 10th overall in the 2026 draft, and all signs indicate the Bengals aren’t sending that first-round selection anywhere.
The organization in the Queen City has enough areas to address that it can’t afford to miss out on such a high draft pick. Lawrence could provide the Bengals with the perfect player to aid their struggling defensive line, especially after Trey Hendrickson left for their rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. Lawrence would become an instant staple for Cincinnati’s defense and the best interior D-lineman in the Queen City since Geno Atkins.
Still, if the Bengals look to simply trade for Lawrence—keeping him under the same contract he has with the New York Giants—they could only be setting themselves up for a headache in the long run, with the nose tackle likely to demand a new deal in Cincy, just as he did in the Big Apple.
SurveyIf not on the Giants, where would you like to see Lawrence play in 2026?
If not on the Giants, where would you like to see Lawrence play in 2026?
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