NFLPreview
Miller's final NFL mock draft -- with Fowler's latest intel: Projecting 32 first-round picks
Check out the final predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft, starting at 8 p.m. ET!
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Rumor Reveals Bengals Original Trade Target With No. 10 Pick Before Dexter Lawrence Deal
TL;DR
The Bengals originally targeted a different star defensive lineman before trading for Dexter Lawrence. The deal fell through for a specific reason, leading to their eventual trade for Lawrence.
Key points
- Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence
- Original trade target was a star defensive lineman
- Deal fell apart for a specific reason
- Bengals needed to improve defense after losing Trey Hendrickson
- Lawrence is a three-time Pro Bowler
Cincinnati BengalsNew York GiantsDexter LawrenceTrey Hendrickson
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A new rumor claims that long before the Cincinnati Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence, they were eyeing a deal for a star defensive lineman. However, the deal fell apart for a very specific reason.
Last week, the Bengals stunned many around the NFL when they gave up their opportunity to make the 10th selection this weekās NFL Draft to acquire New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The three-time Pro Bowler was disgruntled and coming off a down season, so many thought the Giants would be lucky if they got a second-rounder for his services.
Whether you like the cost of the trade or not, the Bengals still got notably better on defense for 2026. Something they badly needed to do, especially after losing Trey Hendrickson to division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, in free agency.
Reports have suggested the Lawrence trade came together quickly. So was there someone else the Bengals had in mind for a trade with their pick at 10? The answer is yes, according to Essentially Sports NFL insider Tony Pauline.
Cincinnati Bengals attempted to trade for Maxx Crosby
Q&A
Who was the Bengals' original trade target before Dexter Lawrence?
The article mentions that the Bengals were eyeing a deal for a star defensive lineman, but does not specify who that player was.
Why did the Bengals trade their No. 10 pick for Dexter Lawrence?
The Bengals traded their No. 10 pick to acquire Dexter Lawrence to improve their defense, especially after losing Trey Hendrickson.
What impact does the trade for Dexter Lawrence have on the Bengals' defense?
The trade for Dexter Lawrence is expected to significantly enhance the Bengals' defense for the 2026 season.
