The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t wait until draft night to make a blockbuster move, sending the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence II.
Cincinnati is looking to improve its defense, which was a major issue for the team as it failed to make the playoffs for a third straight season. As a result, the Bengals decided to take a big swing to bolster the defense, which has already added Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, and Bryan Cook this offseason.
The Bengals are hoping the defense can be serviceable at stopping the opposing team, because with a healthy Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati offense will be putting up points. In a video on April 19, Lawrence spoke with Dan Hoard and shared his thoughts on having Burrow as his new QB.
“You know, for the longest, I’ve been thinking he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the league, if not the top,” Lawrence said. “It’s going to be fun to share a field with him and to watch him up close, to see how he prepares, how he studies, how he leads guys and gets guys going. I’m excited for that part of it.”
Moreover, Lawrence shared his initial reaction when he learned that the Giants were trading him to the Bengals and joining a team that’s looking to contend right now.
“It’s been a long process, but once I heard Cincinnati was in that option, I got excited immediately to play with guys like Ja’Marr [Chase], Joe and Tee [Higgins], and then alongside my best friend, B.J. [Hill],” Lawrence added. “I’m excited, man. God got me through it, and right now I’m ready to let my light shine and go win some games.”
Dexter Lawrence Ready to Eelevate Bengals Defense
The Bengals have failed to make the playoffs in the last three seasons, and it’s disappointing, given that Cincinnati reached the Super Bowl during the 2021 season and went to the AFC title game the following campaign.
Nonetheless, Lawrence is hopeful that he can be the piece that gets the Bengals back to the playoffs and on a deep run again.
“I do,” Lawrence said when asked if he can be a major piece to getting the Bengals back to the playoffs. “I know people are going to say pressure, but I embrace it; I bring it in. It doesn’t affect me, the pressure. I just know who I am and I stay true to that, and I’m going to be the guy to help this defense go to the next level.”
Jonathan Allen Sees Super Bowl Potential in Cincinnati
Allen was the other interior defensive lineman to arrive this offseason and noted that his decision to join the Bengals was to contend for a Super Bowl.
“This is one of the few places I can compete for a Super Bowl and have a chance to showcase my talent,” Allen told the Bengals website on March 13. “When you see what they have on the offensive side of the ball, that’s a dream for a defensive lineman.
“I think people would be lining up to play with a guy like Joe Burrow and the offense they have. Then the young guys you have on defense and the pieces you’re adding, I really think this team is going somewhere.
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