The shockwaves are still reverberating around the NFL after the New York Giants traded three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals. And a new insider report suggests that the desire to move away may not have been just about the money.
Lawrence was clearly more disgruntled than fans initially thought. Not even the introduction of new head coach John Harbaugh and an influx of impressive signings in free agency could help change his mind. The Giants recognized this situation for what it was, and to say they extracted maximum value from the transaction would be an understatement.
The former Clemson standout has now passed his physical with the Cincinnati Bengals, making the trade official. According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the AFC North club has also given him a one-year, $28 million extension, ensuring he's around for the next three years.
Giants and Dexter Lawrence II both got what they wanted with blockbuster trade
That's arguably the most interesting element of this equation.
When Lawrence announced his intent to leave MetLife Stadium, most thought it had to do with his contract situation. Reports suggested he wanted a loftier financial commitment, and the Giants were skeptical about matching it. When talks broke down quickly, the decision to remove him from the equation was simple.
Based on the short-term agreement Lawrence signed in Cincinnati, it seems unlikely he'd have accepted any offer to stick around. The Giants haven't done much winning since he joined the club as a first-round pick in 2019. It's frustrating, of course, and even though Harbaugh's arrival brings new optimism, the interior game wrecker had his heart set on a fresh challenge.
The Giants got the No. 10 pick in return. Most experts around the media couldn't believe New York got this compensation without having to give up a pick along with Lawrence, who is gifted but coming off a down year. But the Bengals obviously decided they weren't going to get a premium player at the top end of such an unpredictable draft.
Lawrence will now attempt to resurrect a Bengals defense that has flopped countless times in recent years. They prioritized defensive reinforcements this offseason, but everything still has to come together. And with one of the league's most imposing nose tackles leading the charge, that's only going to assist.
It's the fresh team and new start Lawrence was looking for. The Giants now have two selections in the top 10 as Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen look to speed up their rebuild.
Everyone got what they wanted, but it'll be interesting to see who gets the better end of this deal.
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