The Cincinnati Bengals understand they've been wasting Joe Burrow's prime years because, although the offense is outstanding, the defense has been horrible. So, this offseason the club has been working to improve that side of the ball and the crown jewel of that work is coming in the person of Dexter Lawrence.
The Bengals have traded for Lawrence, the three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle with the New York Giants.
Former Clemson football defensive player Dexter Lawrence during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
The Bengals are giving up the No. 10 overall selection in the draft in exchange for Lawrence. And they're expected to give him a contract extension or raise on his current contract that still has two years remaining.
The reason the Bengals did this, per a source, is they came to the belief Lawrence is better than any prospect they might land with the No. 10 pick who also happens to upgrade their defense.
We told you this loomingNFL draft was about a trade-happy exercisebut didn't know teams would start before the draft even started.
So Lawrence should get his wish. He's moving on from the Giants and getting a raise afterrequesting a trade a couple of weeks ago.
The Bengals are getting what they want:
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 23: Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants speaks to the press during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on July 23, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Their defensive upgrades this offseason that already included Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook and Jonathan Allen, now adds a pass-rush threat and run-stopping anchor in the interior of their offensive line.
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