Dexter Lawrence has gone from beloved captain of the defense for seven years to New York Giants fans' public enemy No. 1 in about two days. I guess that’s what happens when the guy requests a trade and then acts like he’s the one wronged.
On Saturday, the Giants agreed to send Big Dex to the Cincinnati Bengals in return for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 Draft. This came after two weeks of negotiations, spearheaded by a public trade request from Dex’s camp. It didn’t take long for the 6-foot-4, 340-pounder to make his way to Cincy, heading to Ohio the next day to check out the facilities and join the team.
When speaking with Cincinnati sportscaster Dan Hoard, Lawrence made it very clear that he’s over the G-Men, while taking subtle shots at the only franchise he’s ever known:
“They wanted me here, and they appreciated the work that I’ve put in over the last seven seasons. ... I’ve got a fire in me that I ain't never had this fire before.”
Dexter Lawrence’s first Bengals comments won't sit right with Giants fans
It’s tough to relate to Dex here. And I tried.
The only problem is that Lawrence’s contract frustrations aren’t relatable. I know exactly zero people making $20-plus million a year. I'm not saying he can't complain because he makes money, but it's a strange hill to die on. The "woe is me" act is tough to follow -- at least, on my end.
Which is why when he comes out and says he has a fire inside him he’s never had before, it begs the question, why? Why now? Where was this fire before?
Lawrence facilitated this trade. He wasn’t blindsided because the organization doubted him. He wanted more money. He felt disrespected when the team wouldn’t give him what he wanted. All while he was the one who signed a four-year, $90 million extension a year before the defensive tackle market boomed.
But go for it. Fan those flames.
He can use it as motivation if it helps him sleep better at night. That’s fine. There’s also a lot of pressure on him to perform in Cincinnati, with Joe Burrow not getting any younger and the team spending the 10th overall pick to get him. That’s not cheap. But to suggest the Giants didn’t want him and didn’t appreciate what he’s given this team the past seven years is a slap in the face, especially to the fans.
Maybe if he had this recently discovered fire last year, he would have gotten the contract and respect he feels he didn’t get and that he deserves. Still, it's an eye-roll comment for the ages. It gives classic, I'm on a new team, and I have to say this because optics. Good luck in Cincy, Dex.
Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
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