Dexter Lawrence says he has a ‘fireplace’ after Giants commerce him to Bengals

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Dexter Lawrence’s new chapter within the NFL has begun, and he admitted for the primary time for the reason that New York Giants traded him to the Cincinnati Bengals that he has a "fireplace in me that I’ve by no means had earlier than."

The Giants fulfilled Lawrence’s commerce request on Saturday, sending the three-time Professional Bowl defensive deal with to the Bengals in alternate for the No. 10 general decide within the 2026 NFL Draft — a blockbuster deal that adjustments issues within the first spherical set to kick off from Pittsburgh on Thursday evening.

Lawrence was the seventeenth general decide of the 2019 draft, and he rapidly turned a fan-favorite for the Giants in addition to arguably the perfect inside defensive lineman within the NFL.

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Dexter Lawrence II of the New York Giants warms up previous to an NFL soccer sport in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Perry Knotts/Getty Photos)

However, regardless of two extra years left on his contract and a brand new regime with John Harbaugh in place because the Giants’ new head coach, Lawrence needed out. Up to now, gamers have used that as a strategic transfer to get a brand new, extra profitable extension.

This wasn’t a type of occasions, however Lawrence is viewing this new transfer to Cincinnati as a contemporary begin that has him extra motivated than ever.

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"They needed me right here they usually recognize the work that I’ve put in over the past seven seasons," Lawrence told Bengals radio play-by-play announcer Dan Hoard, which was revealed on the official crew YouTube channel. "I recognize that and I’m going to do all the things I can to point out them that they didn’t waste [a top 10 pick]. I’m excited. I’ve bought a hearth in me that I’ve by no means had earlier than, so I’m excited. I’m excited to be a Bengal."

It was additionally about cash on the finish of the day, with the Bengals allotting a one-year, $28 million extension, which retains him with the crew by means of the 2028 season for a complete of three years and $70 million. He nonetheless had $42 million remaining on his earlier cope with the Giants.

Lawrence added that his offseason drama in New York was a "lengthy course of," however he felt aid and pleasure when the deal was lastly made between the groups.

Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants warms up previous to the sport in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025. (Kathryn Riley/Getty Photos)

"God bought me by means of it, and proper now, I’m able to let my mild shine and go win some video games."

As Lawrence talked about, he’s hoping to not be a disappointment in his new metropolis contemplating the quantity paid by the Bengals to amass him. However the 340-pound defensive deal with has been fairly the issue for opposing offensive traces, amassing 30.5 sacks, 15 cross breakups, and 341 mixed tackles (40 for loss) in 109 profession video games with the Giants.

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Final season additionally marked the primary time Lawrence performed all 17 video games of his profession since they carried out the additional regular-season contest in 2021.

"I do know individuals are going to say [there’s] stress, however I embrace it," Lawrence stated. "I deliver it in. It doesn’t have an effect on me, the stress. I simply know who I'm and I’m going to remain true to that. I’m going to be the man to assist this protection go to the subsequent degree."

<source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)" srcset="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/04/672/378/dexter-lawrence-giants-metlife-stadium-fox-news-001.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1, https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/04/1344/756/dexter-lawrence-giants-metlife-stadium-fox-news-001.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1 2x" height="378" width="672"><source media="(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)" srcset="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/04/931/523/dexter-lawrence-giants-metlife-stadium-fox-news-001.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1, https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/04/1862/1046/dexter-lawrence-giants-metlife-stadium-fox-news-001.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1 2x" height="523" width="931"> New York Giants defensive deal with Dexter Lawrence II gestures throughout the first quarter in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Oct. 9, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Photos)

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As Lawrence seems forward to new beginnings, the Giants, armed with two picks within the prime 10 of the first-round of this yr’s draft — in addition they have No. 5 — Harbaugh and the remainder of the crew will look to hit large with these key rookie additions.