How Aaron Donald, Chris Jones inspired Bengals’ Dexter Lawrence trade

If there’s a criticism around the Cincinnati Bengals pulling off the blockbuster Dexter Lawrence trade, it generally tends to focus on age and the short number of years on his contract.

Both criticisms have major holes, though.

First, the contract. Lawrence was already under contract for two years at an affordable clip. That’s why he wanted an extension.

The Bengals gave Lawrence a one-year extension at $28 million, which, for him, is affordable. That’s three years of team control at a minimum, not counting tags after that period, if they come into play. But if all goes well, the two sides will link up again for another extension before then.

Second, the age argument.

Lawrence is 28. He turns 29 in November. For the sake of comparison, Trey Hendrickson is 31 and turns 32 in December.

Barring a falloff of epic proportions, Lawrence is three years younger than Hendrickson (and one could argue his pressure up the middle is a more unique, valuable resource, but that’s a different column).

There is also plenty of modern history showing that nose tackles like Lawrence enjoy sustained quality play for longer than other positions.

Just ask Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated:

“Another element here was the demonstrated history of defensive tackles performing at a high level deep into their careers—with Aaron Donald a dominating force through 10 seasons and past his 32nd birthday and Chris Jones still a guy who wrecks offenses’ game plans around 10 years in and approaching his 32nd birthday. Lawrence, a guy who routinely draws and defeats double teams, is entering his eighth season and doesn’t turn 29 until November.”

And for the record, the fact we’re mentioning Lawrence next to names like Aaron Donald and Chris Jones isn’t an accident: When he’s healthy, he’s that good.