NFL Analyst Names Bengals' $28M DT "Most Essential Non-QB" Amid "Automatic Backfire" Warning

Jun 17, 2026, 12:09 PM CUT

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 Icon25092818574

The Cincinnati Bengals made one of the biggest moves of the offseason in Dexter Lawrence. The deal immediately drew attention with Cincinnati parting with the No. 10 overall pick. Despite the guaranteed quality, an analyst also has words of caution for them.

On the Check the Mic podcast, after co-host Steve called Lawrence the "most essential non-QB", analyst Sam Monson explained why the $28-million one year extended addition, Lawrence, could have such a major impact on the Bengals' defense.

“Dexter Lawrence is one of the best defensive players in all of football. He completely transforms a defense… If he goes back to being that, this entire defense is completely transformed,” said Monson on June 16.

While Lawrence's arrival has been seen as a major addition, Bleacher Report analyst Brad Gagnon has recently highlighted the risk that comes with the move.

New York Giants defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence 97 talks with media during training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. /CSM East Rutherford United States - ZUMAc04_ 20250723_zma_c04_146 Copyright: xDuncanxWilliamsx

“Lawrence will turn 29 this season, and the big guy might be beyond his prime," Gagnon wrote on June 5. "His raw and rate-based numbers have dropped off the last couple of seasons, and he'll cost about $70 million over the next three years...And if he isn't, this is an automatic backfire.”

Lawrence still carries the pedigree of one of the league's premier defensive linemen, but his 2025 campaign showed signs of regression. After earning consecutive Pro Bowl selections in previous years, the veteran failed to make the cut last season.z

The veteran New York Giants player recorded fewer than 2.5 sacks for the first time in his career and finished with a career-low 31 combined tackles despite appearing in all 17 games for the first time.

As the training camp approaches, the moves remain one of the most closely watched decisions of the offseason.

Why Dexter Lawrence Changes Everything for Cincinnati's Defense

Speaking on First Word With James Rapien, Bengals center Ted Karras shared why Lawrence has been such a difficult player to face throughout his career and what he believes the veteran defensive tackle brings to Cincinnati.

"When you sign a guy like Dexter Lawrence, everyone on defense automatically gets better. Because there's now the singular guy that people are gonna have to account for," Karras said on Monday.

Karras explained that Lawrence's value goes beyond statistics. His presence on the defensive line can change how the opposing offense approaches an entire game plan, creating opportunities for the players around him.

"He's the pinnacle of our defense, and [he] changes the dynamic of game planning for the Cincinnati Bengals," Karras said on Monday.

While he has yet to play a regular-season game in Cincinnati, teammates are already pointing to the influence he could have on the defense moving forward.

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote