With less than a week until the 2026 NFL draft, the New York Giants made a blockbuster trade on Saturday, sending three-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick in the draft.
Lawrence had requested a trade from the Giants less than two weeks earlier amid a contract dispute. Although he had two years remaining on the contract he signed after his breakout 2022 season, Lawrence sought a new deal.
Selected 17th overall in 2019 in a pick acquired via the Odell Beckham Jr. trade, Lawrence has spent his entire career with the Giants to this point.
The trade comes despite new head coach John Harbaugh having described Lawrence earlier in the offseason as a cornerstone piece to build around, with many considering him untouchable.
Following the announcement that the Giants were shipping off arguably their best player in exchange for the 10th overall pick in Thursday night’s draft, fans and analysts reacted with a mix of shock, excitement, and disappointment.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants draw mixed reactions for trade of Dexter Lawrence
Reporting by Tyler Henry, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
