Needing to make a big defensive splash in April, the Bengals chose a massive man when they traded for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
The cost wasn't cheap: Cincinnati shipped its first-round pick -- the 10th overall selection in this week's draft -- to New York in exchange for "Sexy Dexy." But for a Bengals team desperate for more defensive help, the price (which included a one-year, $28 million extension) was worth it.
It's a commitment that wasn't lost on Lawrence, who couldn't be happier to move to southern Ohio.
"I know they gave up a lot for me, and I appreciate that. I don't take that for granted. I have a fire in me," Lawrence said Sunday, via the team's official site. "I picked up a little turf on the field. I got chills when I went out there. I just see myself helping this team be where it's supposed to be … I enjoy pressure. I enjoy being under that type of light. I write down notes, and my notes are, 'Let my light shine all the time.' And keep joy. Don't let anything steal your joy."
Lawrence was certainly not joyful in New York, not after enduring a difficult season that didn't help his efforts to earn more contractual security with the Giants. Their inability to work toward another extension prompted Lawrence to request a trade, and after Giants leadership attempted to quell worries about a potential divorce, New York decided the 10th pick was enough to send Lawrence packing.
Cincinnati couldn't be happier with how things unfolded.
"I've received a lot of calls and texts from players," coach Zac Taylor told the team's official site, "which is a sign there's a lot of excitement."
With the trade, the Bengals decided they'd rather acquire a proven commodity capable of making an immediate difference instead of letting the draft play out in front of them, which included the risk of missing out on every premier defender worthy of their 10th overall selection.
The move made sense for both parties. Cincinnati is not in a position to risk missing out on adding a quality defensive starter, not after the Bengals' defensive struggles have directly contributed to their inability to return to the playoffs over the last three seasons. With quarterback Joe Burrow firmly in his prime, the time is now to strike on their potential.
In theory, adding a player of Lawrence's caliber should make the entire unit better. At 340 pounds, Lawrence's gap-plugging ability increases the likelihood Cincinnati's linebackers will be kept clean and free from blockers, enabling them to fill running lanes more consistently. Although he recorded just 0.5 sacks in 2025, Lawrence's prior production in the category (13.5 sacks between 2023 and 2024) suggest he is still able to make a difference as a pass-rusher, too, helping address another area of concern for the Bengals.
"He makes everybody's job easier," veteran defensive tackle B.J. Hill said. "Mine. (Jonathan) Allen's. Defensive ends. Linebackers. Safeties. Even the defensive coordinator's. Having him in the room is a plus, for sure."
"My first thought was how I'm going to help the young linebackers," Lawrence said. "Make their job easier. I know who I am and what I bring to a team. I know me being on the field with my presence is going to make a lot of people be better."
Lawrence's trade solves the persistent contract dispute he and the Giants were never able to solve and grants him a new opportunity to chase a goal greater than what New York was capable of realistically achieving over the last five years. New York, meanwhile, now owns two picks in the top 10, ideal ammunition for a team still building toward what the Giants hope is a brighter future.
In short, it's a win-win. Lawrence -- and Bengals fans -- couldn't be more pleased.
"I'm ecstatic," Lawrence said. "To be on this team with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, to be back with Tee (Higgins) again, Chase Brown … I told Tee, 'We've got some unfinished business.' … That's obviously our goal. Winning the Super Bowl."
