The Bengals made a big move to shore up the AFC's worst defense in 2025, acquiring three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II from the Giants in exchange for the No. 10-overall pick in the upcoming draft. The Giants now own the No. 5 and No. 10 picks in the first round.
The Bengals ranked 31st in the NFL in total defense last season, and add Lawrence to free-agent signings Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen on the defensive line.
Lawrence, 28, forced his way out of New York, demanding a trade after contract renegotiations broke down. He was additionally frustrated by the losing, though reports say he was encouraged enough by the hiring of head coach John Harbaugh to seek a reworked deal to stay. Lawrence has two years and $39.5 million remaining on his existing contract.
My take: Lawrence is a very good player and durable, but trading the 10th overall pick for him? No. He's not worth that and everyone knew he wanted out. Plus, he's still going to want paid, aiming for an additional $10 million per season. He was going to hold out. A third, at most, would have gotten this deal done ... and he still might hold out.
THE ASYLUM
Bengals boost D with Lawrence
The Bengals made a big move to shore up the AFC's worst defense in 2025, acquiring three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II from the Giants in exchange for the No. 10-overall pick in the upcoming draft. The Giants now own the No. 5 and No. 10 picks in the first round.
The Bengals ranked 31st in the NFL in total defense last season, and add Lawrence to free-agent signings Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen on the defensive line.
Lawrence, 28, forced his way out of New York, demanding a trade after contract renegotiations broke down. He was additionally frustrated by the losing, though reports say he was encouraged enough by the hiring of head coach John Harbaugh to seek a reworked deal to stay. Lawrence has two years and $39.5 million remaining on his existing contract.
My take: Lawrence is a very good player and durable, but trading the 10th overall pick for him? No. He's not worth that and everyone knew he wanted out. Plus, he's still going to want paid, aiming for an additional $10 million per season. He was going to hold out. A third, at most, would have gotten this deal done ... and he still might hold out.
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