Sports
Arvell Reese scouting report: Ohio State LB/EDGE hybrid NFL Draft outlook
There’s no question Ohio State’s Arvell Reese is one of the best overall players in this draft class. They don’t make many athletes with the size (6-foot-4, 241 pounds), speed (4.47-second 40-yard dash) and positional versatility Reese brings. He finished 2025 with 6.5 sacks and 69 total tackles.
However, the history of players with similar versatility traits isn’t exactly encouraging in the NFL. Isaiah Simmons is on his third team in six seasons, Zaven Collins hasn’t found his footing in Arizona, and plenty of others have struggled to fit at the next level.
While I think Reese is different from those players — there’s a difference between “positionless” and “versatile” — there are still questions about where he plays in the NFL.
More importantly, there’s the financial angle. The fifth-year options and franchise tags for EDGE and off-ball linebacker are the same, but the highest-paid EDGE (Micah Parsons) makes $46.5 million per year — more than the top two off-ball linebackers (Fred Warner and Roquan Smith) combined. Even average EDGE rushers carry more value financially, so if Reese wants to cash in, playing on the edge could be the way to go.
But does that best align with what he does on the field? Let’s dive into the film.
Reese’s power pops immediately on the edge
The first thing that stands out when Reese lines up on the edge is how violent he is with his hands. Players who walk down from off-ball linebacker typically don’t play as heavy-handed as Reese does. He packs serious power into his punches as both a run defender and pass rusher, generating a ton of force for someone who would be considered undersized on the edge.
You can’t block him with a tight end — he’ll obliterate them in the run game. He forklifts players on the edge, using strong pad level to close gaps and funnel backs into traffic. This Illinois tight end stood no chance, getting manhandled into the very gap the running back was attacking.
Watch the Miami tight end’s head snap back on contact. There’s playing with force, and then there’s what Reese showed in his final year at Ohio State. He wrecks the rep with pure power.
This rep against Penn State’s left tackle isn’t perfect, but the force jumps out. His head is down on contact, but his body angle is excellent. He’s in position to stack and shed because he’s attacking with leverage, generating force through his body into the tackle’s chest so he can make a play.
His pass-rush upside is both exciting — and incomplete
Where the rubber really meets the road is Reese’s potential as a pass rusher. Despite being undersized, he generates serious power. You’d expect an off-ball linebacker moving to the edge to win with speed and bend, but Reese’s go-to is converting speed to power and running through tackles.
This is what you would call getting dunked on in the football world:
Here, he faces fellow draft prospect Markel Bell (6-foot-9, 346 pounds) and still turns him with power, prying open the outside corner. The ball comes out before he arrives, but it’s a strong rep that shows what he can already do as a pass rusher.
Again, Reese displaces Illinois’ right tackle with power, knocking him off his feet. It’s not a perfect rep or finish, but it highlights how much force he generates in a 241-pound frame.
Reese also showcases the ability to counter with speed. His pass-rush repertoire is still limited, but the flashes of bend and acceleration are reminiscent of top NFL rushers. Ohio State even schemed one-on-one opportunities, where he would do this to opposing tackles:
While he gets the sack on that rep, another better illustrates his upside. He sells the bull rush, then dips around the outside shoulder and flattens to the quarterback. That’s the kind of nuance he needs to build on.
The issue right now is consistency. He doesn’t have many reliable counters, which makes sense given his background as an off-ball linebacker who also drops into coverage. If he transitions full-time to the edge, his development as a pass rusher may take time.
He could improve by using his hands more actively — swiping at tackles to create cleaner rush paths and turn more pass rush reps into pressures. Against Wisconsin, for example, the tackle sets to cut off the edge. Reese needs to either club the outside hand or counter inside, but he does neither and loses the rep. A more detailed pass-rush plan will be key going up against NFL tackles.
Another area for growth is stringing moves together when his initial rush stalls. That will come with reps and coaching. The upside is clear, but right now he’s a better run defender than pass rusher off the edge.
Reese might be more polished off the ball right now
As an off-ball linebacker, Reese’s violent hands and fluidity really stand out. Even in a defense loaded with megazord athletes, he consistently pops on tape. He simply puts guys on their butts when they try to block him. His explosiveness moving downhill is a delight to watch, and his hand placement and ability to forklift defenders immediately jump off the tape. Just ask this Penn State tight end:
OUCH. His ability to generate force allows him to lift blockers out of the way and stay square to the line of scrimmage while working through traffic. He’s comfortable operating in tight spaces and consistently finds the ball.
One rep against Michigan highlights his instincts. The Buckeyes are in a five-man front, with Reese aligned as the stack linebacker. The defensive lineman in front of him plays his primary gap with the ability to fall back into his secondary, and Reese has to mirror that from depth to keep everyone on a string. He fits into the primary gap, then recognizes the running back bounce to the secondary as the tight end tries to get hands on him. Reese slips underneath the block and closes to make the stop — a great example of his high-level processing and movement ability.
In the passing game, his ceiling is also high — especially as a blitzer. His power translates immediately, as shown when he drives a Texas right tackle back and forces Arch Manning out of the pocket.
Reese is a mismatch against running backs in pass protection and can be used as a penetrator on pass-rush games, using his size and speed to collide with offensive linemen and free up rushers. You can also design looks for him to play iso ball against RBs, where he can crush the pocket.
The main area for improvement off the ball is his spatial awareness in coverage. He has the range and athleticism, but his recognition once receivers enter his zone can improve. He recorded just two pass deflections in his career, rarely getting his hands on the football. Better angles could help — like on a near-play against Wisconsin that could have been an interception.
That said, there are reps where he shows potential. Against Penn State running a Dagger concept, he drops as the middle defender in Cover 2, carries the vertical route, then sinks to disrupt the dig and force a checkdown. That’s the upside.
The biggest question: Where does Reese actually fit in the NFL?
So what is Reese at the next level — linebacker or EDGE? The answer is both. He’s a true hybrid, but not in a way that leaves him without a position. He can be a skeleton key who answers many questions for a modern defense, allowing it to shift fronts and personnel without substituting. Think about what the Eagles do with Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell — players with the size to play on the edge and the movement skills to stack without being liabilities in coverage. That kind of true versatility is becoming increasingly valuable in the NFL.
If you’re asking where he makes the most immediate impact, it’s probably as an off-ball linebacker. His coverage still needs refinement, but as a run defender and blitzer, he already fits what modern defenses want.
Still, he shouldn’t be boxed in. Let him dictate fronts and structures — that’s how he blossoms into the centerpiece of a modern NFL defense.
Sports
Man United transfer news LIVE – Cristian Romero update, Marcus Rashford latest, Unai Emery claim
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been linked as a potential candidate to be Manchester United’s next permanent manager.
TEAMtalk have reported that United and Real Madrid have identified Emery as an option to be their respective next manager ahead of this summer.
Emery has guided Villa to fourth place in the Premier League so far this season, as well as the semi-final of the Europa League, and is the latest name mentioned as a potential candidate to get the United job on a permanent basis.
Sports
Dave Allen predicts Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: “It only takes one to end it”
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are edging closer to a fight in 2026 after years of failing to make it happen. Dave Allen, who has shared rounds with both, has made an early prediction.
Following Fury’s unanimous decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in London earlier this month, he turned his attention ringside to Anthony Joshua. Though ‘AJ’ refused the opportunity to step into the ring and announce the fight, he has made it clear that talks are progressing well and he will likely face Fury around November following a lower-level bout in July.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Allen said drawing on his sparring experiences with the two former heavyweight champions may not be relevant in 2026.
“I always picked [Tyson] to beat Joshua because I always held Tyson in the highest regard as the best that I’d been in with. Joshua, for me, I would rate him probably fourth, third or fourth … You always think Fury will beat him based off that. For many years that was my train of thought.
“In 2026, it’s a totally different fight now, because we don’t really know what they’ve got left. I didn’t think Tyson was amazing [against Makhmudov], I thought he was a bit off the pace, but that fight will bring him on a lot. 12 rounds would’ve done him a favour but I’d have liked to see him get Makhmudov out of there, he’s that many levels above him.
“Then you look at Joshua. The Jake Paul thing, I don’t think it has [got the rust off Joshua]. I don’t think the [Fury] fight will happen next. I think Wilder is still a hard fight for Joshua.”
As for a prediction, ‘The White Rhino’ – who faces Filip Hrgovic next month at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster – still sides with Fury, with the caveat that Joshua’s superior power could end it all in an instant.
“The question is who wins, Fury or Joshua in 2026? I still make Fury the favourite. No matter how old he gets, he’s a natural with it. Anthony Joshua has probably looked after himself a lot better, but Fury’s just a natural. He’s just got it. My prediction would be Fury on points if it’s to happen next … but you’d be watching through your fingers as a Fury fan, because I think it would only take one from Joshua to end it.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn’s latest update on the fight is that talks continue behind the scenes. He is targeting a top 20 heavyweight for the summer – Joshua’s first fight back since a car crash in which he was injured and two of his closest friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, died.
Sports
Unpacking LIV Golf’s wild week and uncertain future
Sports
Williams and Cap Ferrat reunite for 2026 Queen Elizabeth II Cup
Craig Williams hopes to finish a packed weekend strongly by securing a Group 1 prize in Hong Kong, guiding 2025 Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat through the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on April 26.
Williams faces a near-full slate of rides at Adelaide’s Morphettville on Saturday before flying out for Champions Day in Hong Kong.
The 2025 Hong Kong Derby provided Cap Ferrat with his lone success so far, reinforced by robust displays in the Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup plus the Group 3 Premier Plate late last campaign.
As the $3.90 favourite, the Snitzel gelding bled in November’s Group 2 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1800m), but he reappeared in fine fettle, rallying late in the Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) earlier this month.
Williams gained the riding engagement after reaching out post the Chairman’s Trophy performance.
“His first up run last preparation was enormous and then all of a sudden, he’d come through with health issues, and then subsequently to see him back, I was taken and pleased by his first-up performance,” he said.
“I touched base when I flew back from Sydney on Sunday last week, I rang up Francis and said, ‘Oh, how’s Cap Ferrat? Where’s he going?’ He said, ‘he’s going to go to the Champions Day on the 26th.’ I said, ‘I’ll be keen to ride him.’”
“The next morning, I got a message to say that I was confirmed to ride him, and I was delighted to be re-associated with him.”
Over 12 months on, Williams cherishes the emotion tied to his Hong Kong Derby conquest aboard Cap Ferrat.
“I spent three years riding in Hong Kong and the Derby is their biggest race and it’s the equivalent to the Melbourne Cup.
“To get the opportunity to ride Cap Ferrat and to win the race was really special. Because I spent so much time there, I understand the magnitude of the race and to have that prize now, so far, one Hong Kong derby is brilliant.”
Williams tops the Morphettville card Saturday with Super Smink in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) and Paltrow Miss in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m).
From there, it’s off to Hong Kong to also ride Juneau Pride and Ensued for trainer John Size with Cap Ferrat.
Visit betting sites to check the latest markets for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup.
Sports
Manchester City vs Arsenal live streaming: Where to watch PL match today? | Football News
Arsenal travel to face Manchester City at Etihad Stadium in a crucial Premier League title clash that could shape the race. A City win would close the gap to three points with a game in hand, while an Arsenal victory would stretch their lead to nine points; even a draw favors the visitors.
City come into the match in strong form, having won three straight games, including a cup final victory over Arsenal, whereas Arsenal have struggled recently with three defeats in five and issues in attack.
Pep Guardiola is dealing with defensive injuries, with Joško Gvardiol, John Stones, and Rúben Dias all sidelined, but is otherwise expected to stick with a winning lineup.
|
Premier League Man City vs Arsenal global streaming details |
|
|
Region |
Broadcaster |
|
USA |
Peacock |
|
UK |
Sky Sports |
|
Australia |
Stan Sport |
|
Canada |
Fubo Canada |
|
India |
JioStar |
|
South / Sub-Saharan Africa |
SuperSport |
|
Malaysia |
Astro |
|
Middle East |
beIN Sports MENA |
Premier League League: Manchester City vs Arsenal Live Telecast and Streaming Details
When will the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal be played?
The Premier League clash between Manchester City and Arsenal will take place on April 19.
What time will the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal begin on April 19?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 PM IST.
What will be the venue for the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal?
Stamford Bridge Stadium will host the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal.
Where will the live telecast of the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal be available in India?
The live telecast of the match will be available on Star Sports network in India.
Where will the live streaming of the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal be available in India?
Fans in India can stream the Manchester City vs Arsenal Premier League match live on JioHotstar.
Sports
World Snooker Championship 2026: Schedule and how to watch every match on TV
The 2026 World Snooker Championship has arrived, with the 17-day marathon at the Crucible Theatre set to provide the usual array of sporting drama as the best players on the planet vie to lift the famous trophy.
Zhao Xintong heads to Sheffield as defending champion after making history as the first Chinese winner of the tournament 12 months ago and he is the bookies’ favourite to retain his crown, although he will have to break the legendary ‘Crucible Curse’ to do so – with no first-time winner having successfully defended the title.
Plenty of other contenders will fancy their chances of stopping Zhao, who opens up with a first-round clash against Liam Highfield, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, who has found some form in recent weeks and begins his quest for a record eighth world title against Crucible debutant He Guoqiang.
Four-time winners Mark Selby and John Higgins face former finalists Jak Jones and Ali Carter respectively in round one, while world No 1 Judd Trump has a tough opener against Gary Wilson, 2024 champion Kyren Wilson squares off against teenage wonderkid Stan Moody and a rejuvenated Neil Robertson takes on Pang Junxu.
Here’s everything you need to know:
How to watch the World Snooker Championship
Every session of every match at the 2026 World Snooker Championship will be live on the BBC, with BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, the BBC red button, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website all utilised for coverage across the 17 days. The tournament is also broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK, with every session shown across their channels and subscribers can also use streaming service HBO Max to watch TNT Sports.
World Snooker Championship schedule in full
(All times BST)
*denotes final session
Saturday 18 April
First round
10am
Zhao Xintong (1) vs Liam Highfield
Mark Allen (14) vs Zhang Anda
2.30pm
Xiao Guodong (9) vs Zhou Yuelong
Mark Williams (6) vs Antoni Kowalski
7pm
Zhao Xintong (1) vs Liam Highfield*
Barry Hawkins (11) vs Matthew Stevens
Sunday 19 April
First round
10am
Ding Junhui (16) vs David Gilbert
Mark Allen (14) vs Zhang Anda*
2.30pm
John Higgins (5) vs Ali Carter
Barry Hawkins (11) vs Matthew Stevens*
7pm
Xiao Guodong (9) vs Zhou Yuelong*
Mark Williams (6) vs Antoni Kowalski*
Monday 20 April
First round
10am
Ding Junhui (16) vs David Gilbert*
Kyren Wilson (3) vs Stan Moody
2.30pm
John Higgins (5) vs Ali Carter*
Wu Yize (10) vs Lei Peifan
7pm
Shaun Murphy (8) vs Fan Zhengyi
Kyren Wilson (3) vs Stan Moody*
Tuesday 21 April
First round
10am
Chris Wakelin (13) vs Liam Pullen
Judd Trump (2) vs Gary Wilson
2.30pm
Ronnie O’Sullivan (12) vs He Guoqiang
Wu Yize (10) vs Lei Peifan*
7pm
Shaun Murphy (8) vs Fan Zhengyi*
Judd Trump (2) vs Gary Wilson*
Wednesday 22 April
First round
10am
Chris Wakelin (13) vs Liam Pullen*
Mark Selby (7) vs Jak Jones
2.30pm
Ronnie O’Sullivan (12) vs He Guoqiang*
Si Jiahui (15) vs Hossein Vafaei
7pm
Neil Robertson (4) vs Pang Junxu
Mark Selby (7) vs Jak Jones*
Thursday 23 April
First round
1pm
Si Jiahui (15) vs Hossein Vafaei*
7pm
Neil Robertson (4) vs Pang Junxu*
Second round
1pm
Xiao Guodong/Zhou Yuelong vs Shaun Murphy/Fan Zhengyi
7pm
Kyren Wilson/Stan Moody vs Mark Allen/Zhang Anda
Friday 24 April
Second round
10am
Xiao Guodong/Zhou Yuelong vs Shaun Murphy/Fan Zhengyi
Barry Hawkins/Matthew Stevens vs Mark Williams/Antoni Kowalski
2.30pm
Zhao Xintong/Liam Highfield vs Ding Junhui/David Gilbert
Kyren Wilson/Stan Moody v Mark Allen/Zhang Anda
7pm
Xiao Guodong/Zhou Yuelong vs Shaun Murphy/Fan Zhengyi*
Barry Hawkins/Matthew Stevens vs Mark Williams/Antoni Kowalski
Saturday 25 April
Second round
10am
Chris Wakelin/Liam Pullen vs Neil Robertson/Pang Junxu
Kyren Wilson/Stan Moody v Mark Allen/Zhang Anda*
2.30pm
Zhao Xintong/Liam Highfield vs Ding Junhui/David Gilbert
Si Jiahui/Hossein Vafaei vs Judd Trump/Gary Wilson
7pm
John Higgins/Ali Carter vs Ronnie O’Sullivan/He Guoqiang
Barry Hawkins/Matthew Stevens vs Mark Williams/Antoni Kowalski*
Sunday 26 April
Second round
10am
Zhao Xintong/Liam Highfield vs Ding Junhui/David Gilbert*
Mark Selby /Jak Jones vs Wu Yize/Lei Peifan
2.30pm
Chris Wakelin/Liam Pullen vs Neil Robertson/Pang Junxu
Si Jiahui/Hossein Vafaei vs Judd Trump/Gary Wilson
7pm
John Higgins/Ali Carter vs Ronnie O’Sullivan/He Guoqiang
Mark Selby /Jak Jones vs Wu Yize/Lei Peifan
Monday 27 April
Second round
1pm
John Higgins/Ali Carter vs Ronnie O’Sullivan/He Guoqiang*
Mark Selby /Jak Jones vs Wu Yize/Lei Peifan*
7pm
Chris Wakelin/Liam Pullen vs Neil Robertson/Pang Junxu*
Si Jiahui/Hossein Vafaei vs Judd Trump/Gary Wilson*
Tuesday 28 April
Quarter-finals
10am
QF 1 – session 1
QF 3 – session 1
2.30pm
QF 2 – session 1
QF 4 – session 1
7pm
QF 1 – session 2
QF 3 – session 2
Wednesday 29 April
Quarter-finals
10am
QF 3 – session 3*
QF 2 – session 2
2.30pm
QF 1 – session 3*
QF 4 – session 2
7pm
QF 2 – session 3*
QF 4 – session 3*
Thursday 30 April
Semi-finals
1pm
SF 1 – session 1
7pm
SF 2 – session 1
Friday 1 May
Semi-finals
10am
SF 1 – session 2
2.30pm
SF 2 – session 2
7pm
SF 1 – session 3
Saturday 2 May
Semi-finals
10am
SF 2 – session 3
2.30pm
SF 1 – session 4*
7pm
SF 2 – session 4*
Sunday 3 May
Final
1pm
Session 1
7pm
Session 2
Monday 4 May
Final
1pm
Session 3
7pm
Session 4*
Sports
Niance launches 2026 campaign at Adelaide’s John Hawkes Stakes
The trainer Grahame Begg plans a trip to Adelaide with his sharp mare Niance, which may set up the speedster for races in Brisbane.
Absence of ideal sprint events for Niance at Saturday’s Flemington meeting prompts Begg to target the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m) in Morphettville.
Paradoxically, Flemington’s Anzac Day races start at a minimum of 1400m.
Niance is primed to start her campaign at 1100m, Begg indicated, coming off two runs in the previous spring.
Moreover, she managed just three starts in 2025, her most recent a third to Giga Kick and Tropicus in the Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield last October.
“She had a little joint issue in the spring, so we had to back off her and give her time so it would all settle down,” Begg said.
“She’s had a couple of jump-outs, so she’ll go over there and I think she’s ready for the 1100 metres.
“The Sangster is on the same day and it’s a bit hard running them in a Group 1 over 1200 metres first-up.
“That would be a bit of an ask for her.”
With seven victories from 13 races, Niance will return to Cranbourne after the run, allowing Begg to plot her future direction.
Begg prefers heading north to Brisbane but keeps open the option of revisiting Adelaide for the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) on May 9 at Morphettville.
“The Goodwood is there, I guess, and we can always look at that, but it’s very hard making two trips with them within a couple of weeks,” Begg said.
“There’s a whole heap of races up in Brisbane that she could run in.
“We can get her up there, settle her in and have a look as there is virtually a race every week for her.”
Visit top online bookmakers for the latest John Hawkes Stakes betting markets.
Sports
Apology to runners for too-long half marathon
Runners who took part in a half marathon have received an apology from organisers after an investigation revealed the event was too long.
Run For All, organisers of the Coventry Half Marathon, said Sunday’s event was longer than the intended 13.1 miles (21km) by 512 metres.
Advertisement
In an email seen by the BBC to competitors, the organisers said: “Whilst we don’t wish to take away from those achievements, we need to acknowledge that today’s half marathon route was longer than 13.1 miles.
“Like you, we are disappointed that this has happened and apologise unreservedly that this has occurred and we take full responsibility for the error.”
The email went on to explain that an initial investigation found that a turning point was positioned incorrectly by 256m, which resulted in the route being more than half a kilometre longer.
The organisers said those who completed the event would receive an updated finish time from the 13.1-mile point.
Advertisement
They added that runners would also receive an offer of half-price entry for the 2027 event “as a way of apology”.
Run For All’s email ended by saying: “Whilst we understand this doesn’t take away from the error made today, we hope you will join us next year to allow us to right today’s wrong.
“Again, we apologise for today’s experience, and we will be running a full internal investigation this week to ensure this doesn’t take place again at a future Run For All event.”
The BBC has contacted Run For All for further comment.
Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Advertisement
Related internet links
Sports
High Courts Directs Center To Confirm Posthumous Padma Vibhushan For Olympian KD Jadhav By May 4
File image of late KD Jadhav
The Bombay High Court has directed the Union government to decide by May 4 on conferment of the Padma Vibhushan award posthumously to wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, India’s first individual Olympic medallist. Justices Madhav Jamdar and Pravin Patil of the HC’s Kolhapur bench, in the order on April 15, said it is not disputed that Jadhav, a wrestler hailing from Maharashtra, was India’s first individual Olympic medallist. The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the ‘Kusteeveer Khashaba Jadhav Foundation’, founded by his son Ranjeet Jadhav.
The PIL sought a direction to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Padma Awards Cell) to consider and decide afresh their representation for posthumous conferment of Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, to Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav.
“The Union of India is directed to take an appropriate decision on or before May 4,” the HC said, posting the matter for further hearing on May 5.
The state government, if required, shall comply with any requirements expeditiously, the court said.
Khashaba Jadhav, who passed away in 1984, had won the bronze medal in the Helsinki Olympic Games held in 1952. He was awarded the Arjuna Award posthumously in 2001.
The PIL claimed the late wrestler’s family had filed several representations before the government to get recognition for him. When there was no response, the foundation moved the high court. PTI SP GK
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
IPL 2026 News | RCB Outplay CSK For 2nd Win On Trot, Ruturaj Gaikwad & Co Suffer 3rd Loss
Topics mentioned in this article
Sports
Dexter Lawrence says he has a ‘fire’ after Giants trade him to Bengals
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Dexter Lawrence’s new chapter in the NFL has begun, and he admitted for the first time since the New York Giants traded him to the Cincinnati Bengals that he has a “fire in me that I’ve never had before.”
The Giants fulfilled Lawrence’s trade request on Saturday, sending the three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle to the Bengals in exchange for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft — a blockbuster deal that changes things in the first round set to kick off from Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
Lawrence was the 17th overall pick of the 2019 draft, and he quickly became a fan-favorite for the Giants as well as arguably the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Dexter Lawrence II of the New York Giants warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
But, despite two more years left on his contract and a new regime with John Harbaugh in place as the Giants’ new head coach, Lawrence wanted out. In the past, players have used that as a strategic move to get a new, more lucrative extension.
This wasn’t one of those times, but Lawrence is viewing this new move to Cincinnati as a fresh start that has him more motivated than ever.
GIANTS TRADE STAR DEFENSIVE TACKLE DEXTER LAWRENCE TO BENGALS IN DRAFT WEEK BLOCKBUSTER
“They wanted me here and they appreciate the work that I’ve put in over the last seven seasons,” Lawrence told Bengals radio play-by-play announcer Dan Hoard, which was published on the official team YouTube channel. “I appreciate that and I’m going to do everything I can to show them that they didn’t waste [a top 10 pick]. I’m excited. I’ve got a fire in me that I’ve never had before, so I’m excited. I’m excited to be a Bengal.”
It was also about money at the end of the day, with the Bengals dishing out a one-year, $28 million extension, which keeps him with the team through the 2028 season for a total of three years and $70 million. He still had $42 million remaining on his previous deal with the Giants.
Lawrence added that his offseason drama in New York was a “long process,” but he felt relief and excitement when the deal was finally made between the teams.

Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025. (Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
“God got me through it, and right now, I’m ready to let my light shine and go win some games.”
As Lawrence mentioned, he’s hoping not to be a disappointment in his new city considering the amount paid by the Bengals to acquire him. But the 340-pound defensive tackle has been quite the problem for opposing offensive lines, collecting 30.5 sacks, 15 pass breakups, and 341 combined tackles (40 for loss) in 109 career games with the Giants.
TRADES COULD SAVE NFL DRAFT LACKING FRANCHISE QBS, POLARIZING PLAYERS FROM BEING A YAWNER
Last season also marked the first time Lawrence played all 17 games of his career since they implemented the extra regular-season contest in 2021.
“I know people are going to say [there’s] pressure, but I embrace it,” Lawrence said. “I bring it in. It doesn’t affect me, the pressure. I just know who I am and I’m going to stay true to that. I’m going to be the guy to help this defense go to the next level.”

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II gestures during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Oct. 9, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
As Lawrence looks ahead to new beginnings, the Giants, armed with two picks in the top 10 of the first-round of this year’s draft — they also have No. 5 — Harbaugh and the rest of the team will look to hit big with these key rookie additions.
The Giants have made the playoffs just twice since the 2016 season.
-
Crypto World7 days agoThe SEC Conditionalises DeFi Platforms to Be Avoided for Broker Registration
-
NewsBeat6 days agoTrump and Pope Leo: Behind their disagreement over Iran war
-
Fashion3 days agoWeekend Open Thread: Theodora Dress
-
Crypto World6 days agoSEC Signals Exemption for Crypto Interfaces From Broker Registration
-
News Videos5 days agoSecure crypto trading starts with an FIU-registered
-
Sports3 days agoNWFL Suspends Two Players Over Post-Match Clash in Ado-Ekiti
-
Crypto World6 days agoSEC Proposes Certain Crypto Interfaces Don’t Need to Register as Brokers
-
Business18 hours agoPowerball Result April 18, 2026: No Jackpot Winner in Powerball Draw: $75 Million Rolls Over
-
Crypto World2 days agoRussia Pushes Bill to Criminalize Unregistered Crypto Services
-
Politics3 days agoPalestine barred from entering Canada for FIFA Congress
-
Sports7 days agoNWFL opens Pathway for new Clubs ahead of 2026 Season
-
Business3 days agoCreo Medical agree sale of its manufacturing operation
-
Entertainment6 days agoBrand New Day’ Footage Reveals the Devastating Impact of ‘Now Way Home’
-
Politics23 hours agoZack Polanski demands ‘council homes not luxury flats for foreign investors’
-
Tech5 days agoMicrosoft adds Windows protections for malicious Remote Desktop files
-
Entertainment6 days agoKarol G’s ‘Ultra Raunchy’ Coachella Set Gave ‘Satanic Vibes’
-
Sports7 days agoAaron Judge says Yankees need to ‘simplify’ approach amid offensive slump
-
Entertainment7 days agoPete Davidson Reveals ‘Brutal’ Mom Moment That Got Him Sober
-
Entertainment6 days agoHow Babylon 5 Turned Brief Side Story Into Emotional Masterpiece
-
Tech6 days agoWhat was the first ransomware attack to demand payment in Bitcoin?



You must be logged in to post a comment Login