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Bengals extend Lawrence after blockbuster trade
Cincinnati Bengals extend Dexter Lawrence II for $28 million after trade from Giants
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NFL
Do Steelers respond to shift in balance of power in AFC North after trade?
TL;DR
The Cincinnati Bengals traded for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, shifting the AFC North's balance of power. This move prompts the Pittsburgh Steelers to reassess their draft strategy, particularly regarding their interior offensive line needs.
Key points
- Cincinnati Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence
- Lawrence is considered the best pass-rushing interior defensive lineman
- Steelers need to reassess their draft strategy
- Top draft needs include offensive line and wide receiver
- Steelers may need to trade up to secure top prospects
Dexter LawrenceVega IoaneKadyn ProctorEmmanuel Pregnon
There was a huge shift in the balance of power in the AFC North on Saturday night when the Cincinnati Bengals sent the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants in exchange for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. This gives the Bengals the best pass-rushing interior defensive lineman in the NFL and frankly it's not close as to who is No. 2.
This immediately got us thinking about how the Pittsburgh Steelers and where this puts them in terms of the roster and how they should account for such a huge change in the makeup of the division. The Steelers are heading into the 2026 NFL draft with several top draft needs, led by wide receiver, offensive line and cornerback. With this huge trade, this could force the Steelers to make interior offensive line the top pick by any means necessary.
In the first round, if the Steelers want the top guard to start on the left, it is former Penn State guard Vega Ioane. But to be sure the get him, the front office would likely need to trade up ahead of the Detroit Lions at No. 17 but could mean they have to move up ahead of the Baltimore Ravens at No. 14.
If the Steeler don't want to leverage picks for Ioane, it could mean at pick No. 21 they go with Alabama's Kadyn Proctor or Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnon. The team could always roll the dice and hope to land a guy like Texas A&M's Chase Bisontis or Georgia Tech's Keylan Rutledge in the second but with Lawrence in the division, the team cannot ignore this need.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Do Steelers respond to shift in balance of power in AFC North after trade?
Q&A
How does Dexter Lawrence's trade impact the AFC North?
Dexter Lawrence's trade to the Bengals significantly strengthens their defense, altering the competitive landscape in the AFC North.
What are the Pittsburgh Steelers' top draft needs for 2026?
The Steelers' primary draft needs for 2026 include wide receiver, offensive line, and cornerback, with a particular focus on the interior offensive line following the Bengals' trade.
Who are the top offensive line prospects for the Steelers in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Top offensive line prospects for the Steelers include Vega Ioane, Kadyn Proctor, and Emmanuel Pregnon, with Ioane being a potential target if they trade up.
