The Cincinnati Bengals made a major move when they added defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence on a $28 million contract. To get him, the team traded the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL draft to the New York Giants, but this huge decision could change everything. 

While quarterback Joe Burrow is already an established superstar, Cincinnati's defensive struggles have held the team back for years.

"The Bengals' abysmal defense has wasted some of Joe Burrow's prime, but the arrival of Lawrence could lead to a resurgence in Cincinnati," analyst Bucky Brooks wrote in the feature for NFL.com. "The 6-foot-5, 350-pounder is a rare find as a monstrous run defender with pass-rush skills." 

Even though Lawrence had a down year in 2025, Brooks still calls him a true game-wrecker when he is fit and focused.

Because he is so big and strong, opposing teams have to use two blockers to stop him. This creates easy one-on-one matchups for the rest of Cincinnati's pass rushers to get sacks.

"Most importantly, Lawrence should squash opponents' ground games and eliminate the keep-away tactics used to keep Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown on the sidelines," Brooks wrote in the feature for NFL.com.

 If the defense can stop other teams from running the ball and holding onto the clock, Burrow and the offense will secure far more opportunities on the field.

Analysts believe that if Burrow can play this season completely healthy, no one can stop the Bengals from reaching the Super Bowl.

Joe Burrow responds with two-word message at Bengals training camp 

Joe Burrow looks sharp at training camp, even as the team’s defensive line poses a tough challenge. Most importantly, when Mike Petraglia of the CLNS Media asked Burrow about his injury, the QB responded with just two words.

"Feels great," said Burrow of his turf toe.

Burrow missed a huge portion of the 2025 season after suffering a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury to his left foot during Week 2. The injury was a full tear of the ligaments in his big toe, requiring surgery that kept him sidelined for nearly ten weeks. 

He rushed back late in the year, using custom protective inserts inside his cleat to protect his foot.

Heading into camp, Burrow experimented with options like carbon fiber plates inside his shoe for extra protection. While it’s unclear which gear he ultimately chose, his toe is fully healed and pain-free. 

For Bengals fans, seeing their star quarterback healthy and confident is the best news heading into the new season.

Can a dominant defense and a fully healthy Joe Burrow take the Bengals all the way to the Super Bowl? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore