Bengals News (4/21): Dan Patrick says Joe Burrow forced Dexter Lawrence trade

TL;DR

Joe Burrow reportedly pressured the Bengals to trade for Dexter Lawrence, giving management an ultimatum for defensive improvements. The Bengals traded their No. 10 pick to acquire Lawrence, a move that has drawn praise from rival GMs.

Key points

Joe Burrow pressured Bengals to trade for Dexter Lawrence
Bengals traded No. 10 pick to acquire Lawrence
Rival GMs praised the Bengals for the trade
Lawrence's talent exceeds any defensive player in this draft
Bengals' draft strategy shifts to focus on second-round pick

Joe BurrowDexter LawrenceCincinnati BengalsNew York Giants

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks for hands to shake after the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. The Browns kicked a last second field goal to win 20-18. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images **Dan Patrick says Joe Burrow forced Bengals’ hand with Dexter Lawrence** “I was told Joe Burrow is the one calling the shots in Cincinnati,” Patrick said. “…From what I’m told, Joe Burrow said to management, ‘you gotta do something defensively or I’m out of here.’ I was told this morning by a source, who said that Joe has given them an ultimatum.” **Quick Hits | Bengals Enjoying Aftershocks Of Dexquake: ‘We Have A Very Serious Team … That Was An Ol’ Jolt’** The Joe Burrows, Ja’Marr Chases and Tee Higgins of the world don’t figure to show until closer to the voluntary field work in mid-May. But there were enough Bengals around to give the organization a thumbs-up for the defensive overhaul that not only netted the three-time Pro Bowler Lawrence, but other starters and regulars such as another D-Tackle with Pro Bowl skins, , as well as the best free-agent safety on the market and Super Bowl pass rusher Mafe. **** “The Bengals, as they discussed the deal, looked at what they’d get with the 10th pick, likely someone like Ohio State S or LSU CB Mansoor Delane if they were fortunate enough to have one of those two fall to them. And they determined what the likelihood was they’d be picking someone that they had a mid-to-late first-round grade on at No. 10, based on the makeup of the draft class. It’s a sentiment I’ve heard from other teams, too, in the aftermath of the deal. “There’s nobody of his talent in this year’s draft,” said one rival GM. “I would take him over every defensive player in this draft.” Which, ultimately, explains why, by the end of that week, they’d wind up offering that pick clean to the Giants for Lawrence.” **** “Here’s the reality to Trey Hendrickson,” Whitworth told McAfee. “He’s a helluva player. But here’s the truth. He is ranked at the top of the group when it comes to sacks and pressures of the quarterback, no doubt. But let’s go look where he’s ranked in the run game in all those years as well. And it ain’t up at the top.” **** Cincinnati trading the No. 10 pick for nose tackle Dexter Lawrence is the kind of move a reasonable person would’ve never expected, but it is now the reality in which 31 other teams must work around. The are slated to pick twice in the first 10 selections, and the Bengals will first be on the clock with their second-round pick. **** Sadly, the original final mock draft will never see the light of day, deleted and replaced with a story on the Bengals trading the No. 10 pick for Dexter Lawrence. A moment of silence, please, for all the insightful analysis on Mansoor Delane’s fit in the secondary and why the concerning Jermod McCoy knee injury changed the dynamics of Cincinnati’s top 10.

Q&A

Did Joe Burrow influence the Bengals' trade for Dexter Lawrence?

Yes, Joe Burrow reportedly pressured the Bengals' management to make the trade for Dexter Lawrence.

What did the Bengals give up to acquire Dexter Lawrence?

The Bengals traded their No. 10 pick in the draft to acquire Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants.

How have rival GMs reacted to the Bengals' trade for Lawrence?

Rival GMs have praised the Bengals for acquiring Dexter Lawrence, stating there is no player of his talent in this year's draft.

What impact does the Dexter Lawrence trade have on the Bengals' draft strategy?

The trade for Lawrence alters the Bengals' draft strategy, as they will now focus on their second-round pick instead of the No. 10 selection.

Bengals News (4/21): Dan Patrick says Joe Burrow forced Dexter Lawrence trade

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

McDaniels jab: Nuggets are 'all bad defenders'

F1's rule tweaks: What's changed after driver criticism, and will it make a difference?

Prospect watch: Is Cleveland ready for a new catcher?

Giulio Pellizzari está listo para el Giro: victoria de mucha entidad en el Tour de los Alpes

Slot expected to continue at Liverpool next season

Barcelona need leaders to fulfil Flick's Champions League dream

More from Sports