The New York Giants made two first round picks in 2026, selecting fifth and 10th. Their latter pick is courtesy of the Giants’ Dexter Lawrence trade with the Cincinnati Bengals.
New head coach John Harbaugh has now broken his silence on the deal. Ultimately, he wanted what was best for player and team, via SNY.
“I think it was a win for everybody. For us, the most important thing was that it was a win for the Giants,” Harbaugh said. “That’s what we card about the most. We wanted Dexter to be happy, but we wanted the Giants to be taken care of first.”
“I think it was a win for everybody. For us, the most important thing was that it was a win for the Giants. That’s what we card about the most. We wanted Dexter to be happy, but we wanted the Giants to be taken care of first.”
John Harbaugh on the Dexter Lawrence trade: pic.twitter.com/9p88obVC1k
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) April 24, 2026
Lawrence has now received an extension through the 2028 season with Cincinnati. New York ultimately used their 10th overall pick on offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. While it’s hard to view it as a one-for-one trade due to contractual values, Mauigoa will have big shoes to fill knowing that he’s the player the Giants got for Lawrence.
With the defensive lineman’s departure, New York added pass rusher Arvell Reese at No. 5. He is currently poised to play weakside linebacker due to what is already on the Giants’ roster. But wherever he plays, the team now has a litany of explosive players in their front seven including Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
As for Mauigoa, he’ll be moving from tackle to play right guard next to Jermaine Eluemunor. He may not be an overly attractive pick in terms of position, but the Giants are confident he will fortify the blocking scheme in front of quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Even with all their talent, the Giants are going to look much different without Lawrence; and with Harbaugh. But the new head coach is being meticulous as he builds his first roster in New York.
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