NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
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 inside me that I’ve 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 overall 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 quickly became a Giants fan favorite, as well as arguably the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
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 left on his contract and a new regime with John Harbaugh as the Giants’ new head coach, Lawrence wanted out. In the past, players have used that as a strategic move to get a new, more lucrative extension.
This wasn’t one of those moments, but Lawrence sees this new move to Cincinnati as a new beginning that has him more motivated than ever.
GIANTS TRADE DEFENSIVE STAR FACE DEXTER LAWRENCE TO BENGALS IN BLOCK DRAFT OF THE WEEK
“They wanted me here and appreciate the work I’ve done over the last seven seasons,” Lawrence told Bengals radio announcer Dan Hoard, which was posted on the team’s official YouTube channel. “I appreciate it and will do everything I can to show them that they didn’t waste [a top 10 pick]. I’m excited. I have a fire inside me that I’ve never had before, so I’m excited. “I’m excited to be a Bengali.”
It was also about money at the end of the day, with the Bengals handing out a one-year, $28 million extension, which keeps 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 contract with the Giants.
Lawrence added that his offseason drama in New York was a “long process,” but he was relieved and excited when the agreement 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 it and right now I’m ready to let my light shine and win some games.”
As Lawrence mentioned, he hopes not to be a disappointment in his new city considering the amount the Bengals paid to acquire him. But the 340-pound defensive tackle has been a problem for opposing offensive lines, racking up 30.5 sacks, 15 pass deflections and 341 combined tackles (40 for loss) in 109 career games with the Giants.
TRADES COULD SAVE NFL DRAFT WITHOUT QBS FRANCHISE, POLARIZING PLAYERS FROM BEING YAWNS
Last season also marked the first time Lawrence played in all 17 games of his career since they implemented the extra regular season contest in 2021.
“I know people are going to say [there’s] pressure, but I accept it,” Lawrence said. “I introduce it. 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 person 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/Image Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
As Lawrence looks toward new beginnings, the Giants, armed with two picks in the top 10 of the first round of this year’s draft (they also have No. 5), Harbaugh and the rest of the team will look to have great success with these key rookie additions.
The Giants have made the playoffs just twice since the 2016 season.
