On April 18, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, citing sources, that the Cincinnati Bengals made a blockbuster trade to improve their defense as the acquired Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants. In return, the Bengals sent the 10th overall pick from the 2026 NFL Draft.
The trade follows a breakdown in contract talks between the Giants and Lawrence. The 28-year-old still has two years left on his deal, but none of it is guaranteed. After seven seasons in New York, he ultimately asked to be traded.
Now, the question is, what will Cincinnati do regarding the player’s contract? On April 18, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported, citing sources, that the Bengals are expected to hammer out a significant long-term deal with Lawrence as part of the trade, once he passes his physical.
Last season with the Giants, Lawrence posted a 75.6 overall PFF defensive grade, ranking ninth among 134 qualified interior defensive linemen. His 84.5 pass-rush grade placed seventh in that group, while his 57.0 run-defense grade came in 56th.
As a pass rusher, he produced 34 total pressures, including 27 hurries and seven quarterback hits, though he didn’t record a sack. Against the run, he finished with 22 solo tackles.
Who Should the Bengals Target on Day 2 of the Draft?
With their first-round pick gone and barring any trade that allows them to move back into Round 1, the Bengals will now have to wait until No. 41 to make a selection.
As for who they could select on Day 2, FanSided’s Justin Carter floated the name of Zion Young as someone the Bengals should look to draft in the second round to replace Hendrickson.
“With Hendrickson gone from a defense that already had plenty of holes, the Bengals are going to need some guys to step up,” Carter wrote in his April 11 article. “Specifically, 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart has to prove he was worth that investment.
“But adding another edge rusher in the draft should be a priority as well. I wouldn’t go there at Pick No. 10 because defensive back is an even bigger concern, but when the Bengals are on the clock at Pick No. 41, taking the best available edge rusher seems like a good idea, and Missouri’s Zion Young might be that guy.”
Why Zion Young Makes Sense for Cincinnati on Day 2
Moreover, Carter explained why Young would be the ideal player for the Bengals to target in the 2026 NFL Draft to replace Hendrickson.
“Young is built to be an NFL edge rusher as far as his physical build goes, though he has to work on getting off the line faster to ensure he can get into the backfield and get to the quarterback,” Carter added.
Last season at Missouri, Young posted an 84.0 overall PFF defensive grade, ranking 48th out of 852 qualified edge defenders. His 81.6 pass-rush grade placed 81st, while his 85.1 run-defense mark came in 27th at the position.
As a pass rusher, he produced 53 total pressures, including eight sacks, 30 hurries, and 15 quarterback hits. Against the run, he logged 21 solo tackles and forced two fumbles over the course of the season.
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