It hasn’t taken long for Dexter Lawrence II to speak out after being traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL draft, and the All-Pro nose tackle’s comments could be read as a parting shot at Big Blue.
Lawrence, who was dealt to the AFC North on Saturday, April 18 for a haul that even surprised the Giants, revealed the Bengals “wanted me here. They appreciated the work that I’ve put in the last seven seasons. I’m going to do everything I can to show them they didn’t waste [a top 10] pick. I’ve got a fire in me that I’ve never had before,” per Christian Arnold of the New York Post.
While it’s understandable Lawrence is enthusiastic about joining his new team, many connected to the Giants may be disappointed to learn he wasn’t playing with a fire in his belly the last few years.
The 28-year-old still acted like arguably the most dominant interior pass-rusher in the NFL for most of those years. Yet, these words perhaps explain how far Lawrence went off the boil in 2025.
Dexter Lawrence’s Parting Words Leave a Bad Taste
Motivation can be hard to come by for a star player striving to stay consistent on losing teams. Lawrence endured more than his share of extra attention from opponents, being subjected to double teams at an alarming rate, and with little support to take attention away from him.
His impact was summed up by Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis, who outlined the difference Lawrence made last season: “Giants defense with… Dexter Lawrence OFF the field: #32 YPA (8.4) #31 sack rate (4.1%) #27 EPA/pass (+0.13) #26 pass success (47%) #23 pressure rate (32%) Dexter Lawrence ON the field: #7 pass success (40%) #8 YPA (6.6) #9 sack rate (7.7%) #10 EPA/pass (+0.09) #22 pressure rate (33%) that was a ‘down’ year for Dexter the team was top-10 vs the pass when he was out there bottom-10 when he wasn’t.”
Juxtaposing those numbers with the reference to “a down year,” is Sharp’s way of underlining Lawrence’s value. It’s a valid argument, but there’s still no denying Lawrence was far from his best last season.
His effort was questioned by a Giants Super Bowl winner, while Lawrence had no problem publicly blasting the team’s play-calling on defense. Lawrence didn’t like the schemes, but the Giants probably didn’t like big No. 97 being off the field in clutch moments of games.
Injuries were a problem for a veteran 340-pounder getting over a dislocated elbow, but Lawrence still rarely played with the intensity that defined his best seasons in a Giants uniform.
It’s why the Giants and others around the league were surprised at what the 28-year-old fetched in trade.
Trade Haul for Giants Prompts Shock
Earning first-round value for parting company with Lawrence is rated as a win for the Giants. A feeling revealed by SNY.tv’s Connor Hughes after “Talking to several coaches around the NFL right now … they are STUNNED the #Giants got what they did for Dexter Lawrence. All agree: Very good player, but not worth No. 10. Age, injury and concerns regarding his conditioning pointed out. Also that you need to limit the number of snaps he plays to maximize his production; really just a one position player. Needless to say: Great return for #NYG.”
The trade ticked a lot of boxes for the Giants, but replacing Lawrence won’t be easy, despite his age and injury history. It will likely take more than plucking a beefy and natural run-stuffer off the veteran market, although that would be a good start.
Resetting their defensive front has become a priority for the Giants, who must build around linemen possessing the “fire” Lawrence says he lacked.
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