Bengals Fulfill Dexter Lawrence's Wish After Latest Signing Demands Shemar Stewart's 97
via IMAGO
via IMAGO
The question around Dexter Lawrence’s jersey number in Cincinnati did not last long. After joining the Bengals, the defensive tackle has now secured No. 97, the number he wore during his time with the New York Giants.
The update confirms a quick resolution between Lawrence and Shemar Stewart.
Lawrence had made his stance clear during the introductory press conference that he wanted to keep No. 97. However, he planned to speak with Stewart first before anything was decided.
“I want to get it,” Lawrence said. “I know Stewart has it right now, but I’m going to talk to him and see what he wants to do.”
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: Dexter Lawrence 97 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass and runs toward the endzone during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 28, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 28 Chargers at Giants EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon25092818573
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: Dexter Lawrence 97 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass and runs toward the endzone during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 28, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 28 Chargers at Giants EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon25092818573
That conversation has now led to a change. Stewart has moved to No. 94, clearing the way for Lawrence to continue with No. 97.
Jersey number changes like this are common in the league. Players usually sort it out among themselves.
In 2005, Washington running back Clinton Portis paid $40,000 to get No. 26 from safety Ifeanyi Ohalete. He paid only $20,000 before Ohalete was cut. Ohalete later filed a case, which was settled. It shows these deals can get messy.
Other new additions are also keeping their numbers. Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook, and Boye Mafe are all expected to continue with the same numbers they wore with their previous teams. With the number situation sorted, focus now turns to Lawrence’s impact on the field
Lawrence Eyes Immediate Impact on Bengals Defense
The Bengals needed changes on defense after last season. The unit struggled to stop offenses, which affected the team’s overall performance despite having a strong offense led by Joe Burrow.
To address that, they traded the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire Lawrence from the New York Giants. And Lawrence is ready to take on that responsibility.
“I’m ready to take this to the next level,” Lawrence said. “For them to bring me in and give up what they did, I owe it to them to go out there and dominate.”
Since being drafted in 2019, Lawrence has been a key part of the Giants’ defensive line. However, team success has been limited. Now with the Bengals, the expectations are different. They already have a strong offense, and improving the defense could change how far they go this season.
Lawrence brings size and experience to the middle of the line. If he delivers, it could help the Bengals improve on that side of the ball.
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Written by
Anjali Thakur
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi