How Joe Burrow might've helped Bengals trade for Dexter Lawrence

How Joe Burrow might've helped Bengals trade for Dexter Lawrence originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cincinnati Bengals swung a massive trade this offseason, adding Dexter Lawrence at the high cost of the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

While it's a pricy cost, adding someone who could be as good as Lawrence on defense with the 10th pick didn't seem likely. The Bengals made this trade thanks to a weak draft class. But that might not be the only reason.

According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell, this trade was made in part because of Joe Burrow. There were some Burrow trade rumors at points recently, and while such a deal would be incredibly unlikely, it still might've played a factor in this trade.

Bengals made Dexter Lawrence trade in part due to Joe Burrow

"The Bengals want Burrow to be happy," Barnwell writes. "... The Bengals have not been able to consistently surround Burrow with what he needs to win."

Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are two incredible wide receivers, but the defensive side of the ball has been a massive issue in Cincinnati.

With the Bengals seemingly not investing a ton of money or capital into the team outside of the WR duo and Burrow, the trade rumblings weren't a massive surprise.

Burrow can't force his way out of his deal as players could do in the NBA, but Burrow might've been able to force the envelope more than most other players if he wanted a trade.

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