The NFL sits just days away from the 2026 NFL Draft, but teams continue to finalize major trades before the Las Vegas Raiders go on the clock.

On Saturday, the Cincinnati Bengals grabbed attention by trading the 10th overall pick to the New York Giants in exchange for All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

The Bengals have now made the deal official. Reports confirm it’s a straightforward swap—Lawrence for the 10th overall pick—with no late-round selections or conditions attached.

MORE: Does trading for Dexter Lawrence make sense for the Cincinnati Bengals?

As part of the move, the Bengals also signed Lawrence to a contract extension, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the extension is a one-year, $28 million deal, keeping Lawrence under contract with Cincinnati for the next three seasons.

All things considered, the deal could prove to be a financial steal for the Bengals. However, when the 2028 offseason arrives, Lawrence will likely seek another extension.

Questions have lingered about the Bengals’ willingness to pay top-tier talent, but this move offers a clear win-win. Lawrence secures the contract he has sought, while Cincinnati adds much-needed strength to its defense.

The Bengals also land Lawrence on what appears to be a team-friendly deal. Earlier projections suggested his contract could surpass Chris Jones’ 2024 extension.

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Now, attention turns to the long-term outcome of the trade. In a few years, either the Bengals or Giants could find themselves in contention for a Lombardi Trophy.

Cincinnati hopes this investment accelerates its timeline to compete as early as 2026. If the team can keep quarterback Joe Burrow healthy, it should remain firmly in that conversation.

Adding Lawrence bolsters a previously underperforming defense—but will it be enough to make the unit truly competitive?