We are one week away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Cincinnati Bengals are caught up in smokescreen season. During this period before the draft, trade rumors begin to pop up and insiders begin revealing potential draft-day plans for different NFL franchises. This is no different for the Bengals, who have been linked with seemingly every defensive prospect in the draft.
The reason for that is very obvious: the team allowed the third-most points in the NFL last season, and despite a superstar-led, high-potent offense, Cincinnati has missed the postseason in three consecutive seasons. Additionally, as we move closer to the draft, trades for veteran players become more likely, as teams moving those players want to receive draft compensation.
The Bengals have previously been interested in superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby, but that did not end up materializing. Now, Cincinnati has another opportunity to land an All-Pro player in the form of New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, who has requested a trade amid stagnant contract negotiations. While the Bengals have not been reported to have conversations for Lawrence as of yet, people believe one Bengals player’s social media actions may hint at a potential deal.
Cincinnati Bengals’ B.J. Hill’s Cryptic Message
Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman B.J. Hill posted on X, “Be Patient!!!” Bengals on SI writer Landon Belote believes that Hill’s post may be related to a potential Lawrence move. Belote wrote:
“Hill, a man of few words, sent a message to Bengals fans via X with a message reading “Be Patient!!!” This comes one week after Hill made waves on the platform by tweeting a “shushing face” emoji, something that in the past has been a precursor to the Bengals making a move for a player.”
However, Belote also added that the post may be a different type of transaction, unrelated to Lawrence. He wrote:
“While the hope is that Hill is hinting to the Bengals having interest in trading for the Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, it could also just as easily be hinting at another kind of move. With a name like DJ Reader still available in free agency, it is entirely possible that the Bengals could be looking to bring Reader back into the fold even after he has had visits with the Ravens and Giants recently.”
It is important to mention that Hill was previously a member of the New York Giants, where he was teammates with Dexter Lawrence. While adding Reader would certainly provide a boost to Cincinnati’s defense, it would not be the blockbuster move that trading for Lawrence is.
Dexter Lawrence’s Production
In 2022 and 2023, Lawrence was Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated interior defensive lineman; however, that has slightly declined since. During the 2025 season, he was ranked as the No. 9 interior defensive lineman and received his worst run defense grade since the 2021 season.
Despite his decline in the 2025 season, which could be attributed to ongoing injury issues, A to Z Sports writer John Sheeran said Lawrence would immediately be among the top four players on Cincinnati’s roster.
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