Orlando Brown Jr. psyched about Bengals’ trade for Dexter Lawrence

TL;DR

Orlando Brown Jr. expressed excitement over the Bengals' trade for Dexter Lawrence, highlighting his positive impact on the team's locker room. The Bengals traded the No. 10 pick to acquire Lawrence from the Giants, aiming to strengthen their defense.

Key points

Orlando Brown Jr. supports the trade for Dexter Lawrence
Bengals traded the No. 10 pick to the Giants for Lawrence
Lawrence is expected to enhance the Bengals' defense

Cincinnati BengalsNew York GiantsOrlando Brown Jr.Dexter Lawrence

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Orlando Brown Jr. #75 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after a 30-24 overtime victory against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images It took a little while for the team to make believers of us all, but the Cincinnati Bengals made moves to prove the “All-In” mentality that was spoken about in the early months of 2026. After a productive free agency period, Cincinnati swung for the fences in a trade for Dexter Lawrence, wherein the squad shipped the No. 10 pick for him to the Giants. Count one of the veteran team leaders of the team—Orlando Brown Jr—as one of the many who gives their seal of approval on the deal. In a recent appearance on NFL Network’s “The Insiders” program, Brown talked about the pleasant surprise and what Lawrence brings to the table for Cincinnati. “I was shocked, man, because guys like that don’t even become available—that’s really the crazy part to me,” Brown told the hosts. “We’re just thankful he ended up here because there’s no telling what would have happened if he had ended up with a divisional rival.” In that vein, these are the splashy types of trades and signings routinely seen from larger market teams and perennial powerhouses, including those within the AFC North. To call this move by the Bengals “uncharacteristic” is a massive understatement. In a few short days during spring workouts, Lawrence has already made an impression on Brown and his teammates. Aside from his mammoth size, “Sexy Dexy” appears to be refreshed by the change of scenery and having his contract situation sorted out. “He just brings such a positive juice to our locker room that was somewhat missing on that side of the ball, man,” Brown continued. “A leader, as I mentioned, loves the game of football, and he’s just so fit for what we are and what it means to be a Bengal. I was so fired up when the trade went through.” A key component to the playoff-less run from 2023-2025 for the Bengals was a lack of identity—particularly on defense. Injuries, free agency attrition, and late draft bloomers have all contributed to that issue, but Lawrence coming in with a myriad of solid outside free agents and exciting rookies appears to be getting the Bengals back to the early years of this decade. Brown also noted that he had dinner on a Sunday night with Lawrence once the trade was officially consummated. It’s quite possible that the “juice” and “fit” comments initially stemmed from that sit-down. Regardless, it appears that the team is already feeling the impact of Lawrence on the roster, and the hope is that his arrival will pay huge, immediate dividends for a defense needing a quick turnaround in performance.

Q&A

What did Orlando Brown Jr. say about Dexter Lawrence's trade to the Bengals?

Orlando Brown Jr. was shocked by the trade, praising Lawrence's leadership and positive influence on the locker room.

What did the Bengals give up to acquire Dexter Lawrence from the Giants?

The Bengals traded the No. 10 pick in the draft to the Giants to acquire Dexter Lawrence.

How is Dexter Lawrence expected to impact the Bengals' defense?

Lawrence is anticipated to bring a much-needed identity and improvement to the Bengals' defense, which struggled in recent seasons.

Orlando Brown Jr. psyched about Bengals’ trade for Dexter Lawrence

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

2026 Preakness Stakes predictions, odds, field, contenders: Picks from proven horse racing expert

Jannik Sinner breaks Novak Djokovic's record for consecutive Masters 1000 wins, on verge of more history in Rome

Rex Hoggard says how concerned he is about Rory McIlroy’s toe injury ahead of the PGA Championship

Eminem’s attendance at Game 5 between Cavaliers and Pistons makes NBA fans go crazy

Arsenal want West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes

Q&A: Was Celtic penalty 'worst VAR decision in history' or 'clear cut'?

More from Sports