The Cincinnati Bengals may have traded for Dexter Lawrence just so Joe Burrow stays with the team.
Although Lawrence is on the side of the ball, the former Giant-turned-Bengal was acquired for Cincinnati’s 10th overall pick, reportedly in part to satisfy Burrow. Apart from a Super Bowl appearance several years ago, the Bengals’ franchise quarterback has struggled to lead his team to postseason success, and he could be looking for a way out if things don’t turn around soon.
“The Bengals traded the No. 10 pick to the Giants for Dexter Lawrence on Saturday, and though the move seemed surprising on paper, a few front office executives explained why the deal makes sense for Cincinnati,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote. “For starters, the defensive tackle group in this year’s draft is not considered strong. But one general manager said the defensive tackles in the next two drafts are sub-standard. Lawrence can rightfully be expected to have a bigger impact for the Bengals this season than any DT — and probably any other defensive player — who would have been available at No. 10.
“And then there is a subplot. This is considered to be a hugely significant season for Joe Burrow and his future in Cincinnati. If the Bengals cannot turn it around, some have speculated about whether Burrow might wonder whether he is better off playing in another NFL city. The Bengals had to give Burrow and the franchise the best chance to win now. Lawrence does that, more than any player they could have picked at No. 10.”
The Bengals have been to the playoffs twice with Burrow at the helm; he led them to the Super Bowl during the 2021 season, and he got Cincinnati back to the AFC Championship Game the following year. Since then, the Bengals have not made the playoffs.
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