The good news? The Dallas Cowboys don't have to play Dexter Lawrence twice each season anymore.
The bad news? Their fate in the 2026 NFL Draft might rest in the hands of their NFC East rivals.
In a blockbuster move, the New York Giants traded their superstar defensive tackle to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick in Thursday's draft. New York already held a dangerous amount of power with the fifth pick. Now, their opportunities to ruin the Cowboys' draft plans have been doubled.
Dallas Cowboys at the mercy of NFC East rival after Giants' Dexter Lawrence trade
Lawrence had been on trade watch for weeks. He requested a move after contract extension talks stalled, but there didn't seem to be much momentum building toward a trade. Most analysts expected the compensation to be equivalent to a late first-round pick or multiple Day Two picks. Instead, the Giants flipped the first round on its head by bringing in a top-ten selection.
Now, New York has two chances to steal the top prospects on the Cowboys' draft board. Dallas has been heavily linked to defensive stars like Ohio State's Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs. The linebacker and safety are seen as ideal fits for the remaining needs on Christian Parker's defense.
Unfortunately, both players have also been connected to the Giants throughout the pre-draft process. Before this trade, the Cowboys could have hoped that at least one of the two players would still be available at No. 12. Now, the Giants have the terrifying opportunity to take both of the former Buckeyes.
Of course, there's a chance that New York spends its newfound draft capital on the offensive side of the ball. They could take an offensive lineman or a receiver to support Jaxson Dart in his development. But the opposite scenario is just as possible.
The Cowboys have already been named as a candidate to trade up into the top ten on Thursday night. Multiple draft experts have projected a trade with the Cleveland Browns, moving Dallas up to the sixth pick. Now, that trade feels more necessary than ever. If Jerry Jones chooses to sit back and wait for a player to fall to him, the top prospects on the board will likely be long gone.
With the Giants holding two picks before the Cowboys are on the clock, trading up is the only path to ensuring that either Downs or Styles comes to Dallas.
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