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.

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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)

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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.

D Gukesh. Magnus Carlsen and Javokhir Sindarov

NEW DELHI: Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen has made his stance clear ahead of the upcoming World Chess Championship, backing Javokhir Sindarov to defeat reigning champion D Gukesh in what promises to be a historic showdown later this year.Speaking at a chess event in Stockholm, Carlsen did not shy away from naming his favourite, even while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of a title match. “At the moment it’s impossible not to say Sindarov… we know anything can happen in a World Championship match,” he said.The Norwegian great went further in his assessment, pointing out a contrast in the two young stars’ games. “Gukesh has very obvious weaknesses… Sindarov does not. He is a lot more well-rounded,” Carlsen added, firmly tilting the narrative in favour of the Uzbek prodigy.ALSO READ: The making of India’s 95th GM: Aronyak Ghosh, from chasing next tournament’s fee to parents’ relief Sindarov’s historic rise turns headsSindarov’s rapid ascent has forced even the biggest names in chess to take notice. The 20-year-old arrives at the World Championship on the back of a stunning victory at the Candidates Tournament, where he dominated the field and finished unbeaten.His tally of 10/14 was the highest in the modern Candidates format, surpassing benchmarks set by elite names, including Carlsen himself. The composed draw against Wei Yi sealed a campaign that many are already calling one of the greatest in the tournament’s history.Carlsen is not alone in his view. Former world champion Garry Kasparov has also leaned towards Sindarov, calling him the “clear favourite” based on current form, though he cautioned about the unique pressure of a 14-game title match. Gukesh’s resilience still a factorDespite the growing chorus backing Sindarov, writing off Gukesh would be premature. The Indian teenager, who claimed the crown in 2024, has built a reputation for resilience and mental toughness.Kasparov highlighted this strength, noting that Gukesh is “very mentally stable… able to defend any position and find resources even in the worst situations.”The clash between Sindarov and Gukesh will be a generational duel — both players just 20 — and the youngest World Championship match in history.

Matchday 35 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered drama, late goals and a major upset as the race for the title and survival intensified across the country.

The biggest surprise came in Maiduguri, where Shooting Stars SC stunned El Kanemi Warriors with a 2-1 away victory. The hosts had taken the lead in the 25th minute through John Zakka, but the visitors responded immediately after the break. Qamar Adegoke levelled in the 46th minute and struck again in the 86th minute to complete a fine comeback and seal all three points.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors FC secured a narrow 2-1 win over Ikorodu City FC. Paul Samson opened the scoring in the 20th minute, while Valentine Ugwu doubled the lead just before half-time. Aderemi Adeoye had earlier reduced the deficit for the visitors in the 35th minute.

Defending champions Remo Stars FC continued their strong form with a convincing 3-0 victory against Niger Tornadoes FC. Victor Mbaoma gave them an early lead in the 10th minute, Olamilekan Adedayo added a second in first-half stoppage time, and Samuel Anakwe sealed the win in the 78th minute.

At Ilorin, Kwara United FC defeated Barau FC 2-1. Toheeb Gidado scored in the 15th minute, while Saheed Olaniyi converted a penalty before the break. Joseph Atule pulled one back for the visitors in the 66th minute.

The Oriental derby in Enugu lived up to expectations as Rangers International FC came from behind to beat Enyimba FC 2-1. Wonah Williams had put Enyimba ahead early in the second half, but goals from Chidozie Iwundu in the 61st minute and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi seven minutes later completed a spirited turnaround for the Flying Antelopes.

Elsewhere, Nasarawa United FC recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Warri Wolves FC. Victor Chimezie opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute, before Ngei Oluka-Efor and Habibu Alakija added further goals after the break.

In Kano, Kano Pillars FC left it late to edge Rivers United FC 2-1 in a thrilling finish. Abdullahi Musa broke the deadlock in the 81st minute, but Rivers United responded through Handsome Surveyor in the 89th minute. Veteran forward Ahmed Musa then struck deep into stoppage time to hand the hosts a dramatic victory.

With just a few matches left, Matchday 35 results have tightened the title race and increased pressure on teams battling relegation, setting up a tense finish to the NPFL season.

Adrien Broner, who rose to prominence as a Floyd Mayweather disciple and later lost to Manny Pacquiao, has predicted the outcome of the money-spinning rematch.

The pair are set to lock horns in a second encounter on September 19, headlining a Netflix show at The Sphere, Las Vegas.

Initially, this was thought to be a fully-sanctioned contest, only for Mayweather to more recently claim that it would instead be an exhibition match.

This has inspired Pacquiao to respond with a fresh series of comments, outlining that Mayweather has, in fact, agreed to a professional bout.

As such, fans are expecting Mayweather to put his 50-0 record on the line, while also presenting ‘Pac Man’ with the opportunity to exact his revenge.

The Filipino did, of course, lose their first encounter by unanimous decision in 2015, only to later reveal that he had injured his right shoulder during training.

Hoping for a less problematic camp this time around, Pacquiao is equally aiming to secure his first victory since edging a split decision against Keith Thurman in 2019.

According to a HeadBussinBoxing interview with former world champion Broner, though, the 47-year-old is unlikely to enjoy more than a few moments of success against Mayweather.

“I think it’s going to serve a purpose; it’s going to be a great fight to watch. Pacquiao‘s definitely coming to fight, and it’s going to be an exciting fight.

“I still don’t think he can beat Floyd no matter what, but I can’t wait to see it.”

Before facing Pacquiao, Mayweather has lined up a couple exhibitions with Mike Tyson and Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis, but whether they actually materialise remains to be seen.

Either way, Pacquiao may have a slight advantage after having gone 12 rounds with Mario Barrios, the then-WBC world welterweight champion, last July.

In Germany, Bayern Munich have won the league title for the 35th time. In England, Manchester City are closing the gap on Arsenal. In tennis, Arthur Fils has won his first title since 2024. The OKC Thunder have made a perfect start to their NBA play-off campaign.

Sometimes, NFL teams waddle into the draft, and their plans get shredded when other teams draft their preferred targets. This forces trades to become an option, and if that happens to the Minnesota Vikings later this week, here are a handful of targets for the occasion.

Four names. One event. Trade buzz never sleeps.

Consider the following a realistic trade board for the Vikings during the draft — players who are gettable and fit Minnesota’s roster needs. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = the most logical fit).

Scenarios That Could Push Minnesota toward a Trade

What if Trader Rob does the thing?

4. Keon Coleman | WR, BUF

The Buffalo Bills owner openly trashed Coleman in front of the media a few months ago, a bizarre situation that didn’t need to unfold. Buffalo later tried to walk back the anti-Coleman fodder, but his legitimacy as an NFL wide receiver was exposed.

NFL.com Eric Edholm wrote about Coleman’s status this week, “The Bills have already made moves at receiver, trading for DJ Moore and signing Trent Sherfield, among others. They have several returners set to come back, including leading receiver Khalil Shakir, Josh Palmer and the promising Tyrell Shavers.”

“Buffalo also has readily scouted draft prospects at receiver. There are multiple unsigned free agents from last year’s roster, as well, such as Brandin Cooks, Gabe Davis and Curtis Samuel. Beane and the Bills aren’t guaranteeing anything for Coleman this season — and certainly not a starting spot — but they’re leaving the door ajar for his trajectory to change.”

The man needs a fresh start, especially after the Bills traded for Moore. If the Bills draft another rookie wideout, Coleman could be traded to the highest bidder. Why not the Vikings?

Approximate Trade Price: 4th or 5th Rounder

3. Trey Benson | RB, ARI

The Cardinals re-upped with James Conner this offseason, in addition to signing free-agent tailback Tyler Allgeier. Benson has battled injuries since turning pro in 2024; his career trajectory is not all that glowing.

He also won’t get an RB1’s workload in Arizona. Truth be told, he could be the RB3 by September. Benson looked decent last year before his season-ending injury. The 3rd-Round pick from two years ago will turn 24 this summer.

A change of scenery could do the body good.

Approximate Trade Price: 5th-Rounder

2. Brandon Aiyuk | WR, 49ers

As the draft approaches, the Vikings have three wide receivers — Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Tai Felton — poised to contribute meaningfully on offense. However, this number seems thin, especially considering Felton remains unproven after a quiet rookie season.

An over-reliance on Jefferson and Addison could become problematic if injuries or underperformance occur.

Jalen Nailor’s departure to Las Vegas on a three-year, $35 million deal (which the Vikings declined to match) creates an opportunity. The Vikings could pursue a veteran receiver — perhaps a high-profile name like Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, or Deebo Samuel (DeAndre Hopkins is a less likely option). Alternatively, they could draft a player expected to make an immediate impact. Of course, Felton could also emerge as a reliable option if he develops as hoped.

The 49ers should probably just release Aiyuk and call it good; the relationship has been strained for over a year. If they insist on a trade, the Vikings, needing a WR3, make sense as a landing spot. It would give the offense an ungodly amount of firepower from head to toe.

Approximate Trade Price: 6th-Rounder

1. Jerry Jeudy | WR, Browns

In Cleveland’s current format, it does not maximize Jeudy’s skillset. He banked just over 600 receiving yards last year, meaning he’s just K.J. Osborn with 1st-Round draft stock. Of course, Jeudy thrived with Jameis Winston, but Winston isn’t the Browns quarterback anymore.

Cleveland may leave the draft with a rookie receiver or two. It’s probably time to start fresh.

Last Word on Sports‘ Anthony Palacio noted last month, “The veteran is still under a three-year extension for $58 million, which keeps him locked in with the Browns through the 2027 regular season. However, that could obviously change during night 1 of the NFL Draft, and the Browns could get some extra draft capital to rebuild a new offense for Sanders or Watson.”

“Jeudy should be under a microscope along with other possible receivers that could become available in this year’s draft. The receiver hasn’t been able to find a stable long-term home in his previous tenure in Denver, but could finally find that with these teams.”

It should be noted that trading Jeudy will be easier financially for the Browns after June 1st, but on the whole, trades are more frequent in the draft than in the summer.

Minnesota’s offense would get quite fancy with Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jerry Jeudy, and a rookie running back from the draft.

Approximate Trade Price: 5th-Rounder