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The Detroit Lions may have it a bit easier in the 2026-27 season against one pesky rival who just won't go away.

The Detroit Lions had been listed as a potential landing spot for New York Giants star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence as they seek to beef up their defensive line.

One of the best players at his position in the National Football League, Lawrence has already amassed a whopping 341 tackles, 30.5 sacks and three Pro Bowl appearances at the young age of 28.

However, his time with the Giants has come to a close despite their best efforts to keep the disgruntled star. He’s been traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the No. 10 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held later this month in Pittsburgh.

The Detroit Lions Did Not Land Dexter Lawrence, Who Was Traded By The Giants To The Bengals

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefer was the first to report the news of the blockbuster trade.

Draft week blockbuster: The Giants are trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in a deal that will include the 10th overall pick going to New York, per ESPN sources,” Schefter wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The Giants now head into Thursday night with the 5th and 10th overall picks.”

Schefter continued:

“Cincinnati believed that Dexter Lawrence would be more impactful this season, in a big year, than the 10th overall pick in this draft. Bengals didn’t wait to get aggressive.”

Not long ago, Lions Insider Brad Berreman of SideLion Report suggested a blockbuster trade that would land Detroit Lawrence:

“If it takes parting with a 2027 second-round pick along with McNeill to get Lawrence, so be it,” he wrote. “The Lions can offload McNeill’s potential albatross contract, then reinvest those funds (and then some) into a better player at the same position to maximize their current window to win a Super Bowl.”

Instead, it now appears as though the Lions will have to supplement their defensive needs in the upcoming Draft.

The Giants Hoped That They Could Keep Lawrence

Earlier on Saturday, new Giants coach John Harbaugh explained that the club was still working to try and find a solution.

“We are working together to get the best outcome for the Giants team,’’ coach John Harbaugh said. “We also respect Dexter fully as a person and player and want him to be happy. We are doing everything we can, as best we can, as responsibly as we can.”

Despite their best efforts, the Giants were unable to ultimately keep the disgruntled star with the club.

Meanwhile, Lions fans continue to feel a bit uneasy about what GM Brad Holmes had to say about their strategy regarding the upcoming Draft.

“You never want to feel that way when you select a player. You pass up a really good player that you liked even more but there is a question mark on your roster so you just go ahead and you get that player that you weren’t as excited about. I know for me, it’s hard to sleep at night when you do that,” Holmes said.