Bengals were calling on Dexter Lawrence trade for years before deal

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals have been pursuing a trade for Dexter Lawrence for years, finally making it happen this offseason. Coaches and management had previously explored his availability before finalizing the deal.

Key points

Cincinnati Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence
Interest in Lawrence spanned several years
Bengals coaches had previously explored trade options
Lawrence was a target since his Clemson days
Bengals aimed to strengthen their defense

Dexter LawrenceClemsonCincinnati BengalsNew York Giants

It took a generational leaving-of-comfort-zone moment for the Cincinnati Bengals to do the Dexter Lawrence trade.

But it’s an idea Bengals coaches and brass had workshopped for years.

According to The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., the Bengals had “made calls checking on Lawrence’s availability” well before this offseason’s trade actually happened.

Dehner added: “A player they loved coming out of Clemson and feared lining up against for the Giants long represented a dream target worthy of a call.”

Lawrence entered the NFL in the first round of the 2019 draft at No. 17, the same year the Bengals sat at No. 11 and took Jonah Williams. Not to rip at old scars for fans, but the offensive line was…sort of a bigger problem for the Bengals back then…remember?

Anyway, the Bengals eventually got permission to work with Lawrence’s agent on a contract extension before the trade happened. The Bengals front office signed off the big-money move and the rest is history.

This isn’t uncommon, believe it or not. Teams always call around about asking prices on preferred players. The difference is, in Cincinnati, while they make the calls, the willingness to spend money never really happens.

Until now. Call it the Joe Burrow effect. Either way, Lawrence was a top-of-wishlist-guy for a long time in Cincinnati.

Q&A

Why did the Bengals trade for Dexter Lawrence?

The Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence to acquire a player they admired from his time at Clemson and viewed as a key asset to strengthen their defense.

How long have the Bengals been interested in Dexter Lawrence?

The Bengals have been interested in Dexter Lawrence for several years, having made calls to check on his availability before this offseason's trade.

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

Dexter Lawrence is expected to significantly enhance the Bengals' defensive line, providing a formidable presence against opposing offenses.