The April 2026 trade sending Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 overall draft pick, followed by his one-year, $28 million extension, established him as a Bengals defensive tackle months ahead of the regular season. Official team announcements, training camp participation, and preseason game logs confirm his roster status with Cincinnati, aligning with the 99.3% implied probability on that outcome. The deal addressed Cincinnati’s run defense needs after surrendering the most rushing yards the prior year, while the Giants used the acquired pick on other talent. With Lawrence under contract through 2028 and integrated into the Bengals’ front, only an unforeseen late trade, major injury, or eligibility issue could shift his Week 1 team, though no such developments have surfaced in recent reports.