The Cincinnati Bengals traded away the 10th overall pick in exchange for New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Although he did not have his best season in 2025, his personality and leadership have already impressed the Bengals head coach, Zac Taylor.

“I was shocked that he was here every day,” Taylor said in a press conference on May 11. “Right after we traded for him, he just chose to jump right in and not miss a day initially.”

This sincere attitude is what the Bengals must be looking for at the moment to rev things up in the defense. Under Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals reached the Super Bowl in 2021 and followed it with another trip to the AFC Championship Game the next season.

The team has otherwise struggled with postseason success. Cincinnati and the New York Giants have each managed only two playoff appearances over the last decade.

The Bengals’ defense has been a major weakness as well, ranking 31st, 25th, and 31st in yards allowed per game across the last three seasons. So, Lawrence is already working hard to bring the rhythm back in the Bengals camp.

“I think that just shows, I hate to speak for him, but just the excitement he has to be here with these guys in the locker room," Taylor continued. "I had a chance to meet with him one-on-one several times. I love his personality."

Beyond his production on the field, Dexter Lawrence has taken on a strong mentoring role for younger teammates. Shemar Stewart said Lawrence intends to keep pushing him to elevate his game.

Bengals Reshape Defensive Identity With Dexter Lawrence Trade

Lawrence, who began his NFL journey in 2019, has made three Pro Bowls and two second-team All-Pro selections. Despite producing 30.5 sacks and 40 tackles for loss during his career, he enters the season after posting career-low numbers of 0.5 sacks and 33 tackles last year.

It was a historic move for the Cincinnati Bengals to sign Lawrence. ESPN Research noted the franchise had never before traded a top-10 draft pick for a veteran player in the modern draft era.

The trade aligns with Cincinnati’s offseason plan to strengthen both lines of scrimmage after also signing Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen in free agency. Lawrence is an addition to the unit that lost Trey Hendrickson and will have to anchor the defensive line.

Cincinnati has struggled in defense and is also currently in the midst of a three-year playoff drought. With Taylor’s expectations, dedication of Lawrence, and the Bengals' defense, it will be interesting to watch them this season.

Share your thoughts on the hardworking mindset that Lawrence brings to Cincinnati.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar