The Cincinnati Bengals have been castigated for a perceived lack of urgency regarding their horrendous defense, but the organization is clearly committed to building a more balanced roster and capitalizing on the prime years of their star offensive trio. Cincy is trading the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the New York Giants for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. Fans are going bonkers, and so is one of his new teammates.
“OOOOH Weeeee,” Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. reacted on X. The 2025 second-round selection, who recorded three sacks, 58 solo tackles and one forced fumble last season, is understandably excited about the defensive line’s new addition. But it comes at a high cost.
Cincinnati will now have to sign Lawrence to a lucrative contract extension, which obviously hurts the franchise’s financial flexibility. Of course, if the two-time Second-Team All-Pro proves to be the impetus to a deep playoff run, ownership should have no problem handing out a big chunk of change.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins cannot shoulder the burden alone. This squad finished 30th in points per game allowed (28.9) and dead last in rushing yards allowed (147.1) during the 2025-26 campaign. Dexter Lawrence should help in both areas.
The 6-foot-4, 340-pounder is regarded as one of the best DTs in the league, primarily due to his unique ability to get to the quarterback and stop the run. His versatile skill set was harder to detect last season, however. Whether it be because of constant double-teams, a lingering elbow injury, low morale or just diminished production, Lawrence was not himself in 2025.
His demeanor also drew considerable attention from the fan base, but Cincinnati hopes the man they call “Sexy Dexy” will be jolly in the locker room and lethal on the football field now that he is due to get a new deal. A change of scenery should theoretically help, too.
Lawrence totaled 30.5 sacks, 185 solo tackles and five forced fumbles in 109 games with the Giants. The Bengals will trust him to boost them back into the playoffs for the first time since the 2022-23 season. Demetrius Knight Jr. and the rest of the defense are surely smiling right now.
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