NFL Executives Deliver Strong Verdict on Bengals' $28M DT
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
The Cincinnati Bengals made one of the biggest moves of the 2026 NFL offseason by trading for star defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence in exchange for a round 1 pick. The deal looked risky at first, but it is now getting strong early approval from NFL insiders.
As per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals were not sure they would get a top defensive player with the No. 10 pick in the NFL Draft. After Lawrence requested a trade from the New York Giants, Cincinnati quickly moved to bring him in.
“Teams have given up far more in the past for less-talented players,” an AFC executive told Fowler.
Credits: IMAGO
Credits: IMAGO
By giving a broader context, Fowler implied that the trade was a steal.
The team gave up a first-round pick to add a proven player who can make an impact right away.
The franchise is facing Super Bowl pressure with Joe Burrow being in his prime. As such, the team chose a proven Pro Bowler over rookie draft uncertainty to improve their defensive front.
The financial side of the deal also shows why the Bengals were confident in making this move.
Lawrence signed a one-year, $28 million extension that keeps him with the Bengals through 2028.
The deal costs a lot, but Cincinnati is getting a player who has made three Pro Bowls and has been a key part of the Giants’ defense.
From 2019 to 2025, Lawrence recorded 30.5 sacks and 103 quarterback hits, showing the threat he brings from the middle of the line.
While the trade itself created headlines, Lawrence’s early actions in Cincinnati have also started attracting attention.
Why Dexter Lawrence Is Already Turning Heads in Cincinnati?
Dexter Lawrence has already made an impact in Cincinnati after the trade. His work and commitment during the offseason have impressed many, with Paul Dehner Jr. noting that he is helping set a new standard for the Bengals’ defense.
“The fact that Lawrence was present at every workout and practice from the moment he was acquired in a trade,” Paul Dehner Jr. said, “until camp broke on Wednesday, speaks volumes about how seriously he’s taken the responsibility of setting a standard for the defensive rebuild.”
Lawrence’s early actions show that he is ready to take a leadership role in Cincinnati, and his dedication could play a big part in shaping the team’s new defensive identity.
The early signs show that the Bengals’ decision to bring in Lawrence could be a good one.
If he keeps making an impact on and off the field, he could become an important part of Cincinnati’s future.
What do you think about the Bengals’ decision to bring in Dexter Lawrence? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Divyanshi Raj
Edited by
Aadesh Dhote