Bengals News (4/20): Story behind Cincinnati landing Dexter Lawrence

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals traded their 10th overall pick to acquire defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants. This move aims to strengthen their defensive line ahead of the upcoming NFL season.

Key points

Bengals traded 10th overall pick for Dexter Lawrence
Lawrence requested a trade from Giants on April 6
Giants aimed to gain a top-10 pick in the trade
Lawrence is known for high double-team rate on pass rushes
Bengals aim to strengthen their defensive line

Cincinnati BengalsNew York GiantsDexter Lawrence

Nov 8, 2024; Munich, Germany; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during press conference at the FC Bayern Munchen training grounds at Sabener Strasse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images **The Deal For Dex: Lightning And Labor As Bengals Shake Up NFL Draft First Round** Brown, along with his fellow point man in free agency, assistant general manager Steven Radicevic, also spent weeks sending out trade feelers for dominant defenders such as Lawrence. Even as they signed four new starters or regulars in free agency last month (and watched the Ravens almost deal for one of those prime defenders they were monitoring in Maxx Crosby), they kept going to the phones. **Dexter Lawrence II’s Massive Energy Ignites Bengals Nation: ‘I Know They Gave Up A Lot For Me … I Have A Fire’** “We’re going to get him dancing,” said the energetic Lawrence after his handshake with Brown, as all of Who Dey Nation is still twisting and shouting with news that Lawrence has brought the massive game-breaking skills of arguably the best defensive tackle in the land to the middle of what has suddenly become a deep and dangerous front. **Dexter Lawrence trade grades: Giants trade defensive tackle to Bengals for No. 10 overall pick** This move is pretty un-Bengals-like. This franchise is famous for waiting too long to pay star players, like defensive end . Cincy watched him put up back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons, and still didn’t want to commit to him. Now, they trade a top 10 pick for a defensive tackle coming off his worst NFL season, and start working on giving him a massive raise? Yes, Lawrence is a bit younger than Hendrickson at 28-years-old, but still, surprising. **** Talks with the Bengals started almost two weeks ago, sources with knowledge of the trade said. That was the first inkling that another top-10 pick could be within reach for the Giants in return for the dominant defensive tackle who has commanded the highest double-team rate on pass rushes (72.7%) over the past three years. Still, the Giants thought it was possible they could reach a resolution with Lawrence, who requested a trade on April 6, and tried to keep their longest-tenured player in New York. **** “The opportunity to add a player of Dexter’s ability was too good to pass up thanks to the commitment by Mr. Brown, Katie Blackburn, Troy Blackburn, Paul Brown and our player personnel staff,” Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said in a statement. “Dexter fits the vision we have on our defense and will also elevate others around him. We are confident in Dexter and can’t wait to see the positive effects he and the other players we have acquired this offseason have on our football team. We are excited to turn to the draft and our remaining picks to further enhance our team.” **** One can look at the trade from this perspective for the Bengals: the team was hoping to find an impact player with the 10th overall pick. They did just that, beefing up their defensive line in a major way.

Q&A

What did the Bengals give up to acquire Dexter Lawrence?

The Bengals traded their 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence.

Why did the Giants trade Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals?

The Giants traded Lawrence after he requested a trade on April 6, and they saw an opportunity to gain a top-10 pick in return.

What impact will Dexter Lawrence have on the Bengals' defense?

Lawrence is expected to significantly enhance the Bengals' defensive line, bringing his game-breaking skills and high double-team rate on pass rushes.

How does Dexter Lawrence's performance compare to other defensive tackles?

Lawrence has commanded the highest double-team rate on pass rushes over the past three years, indicating his dominance among defensive tackles.