Bengals had no choice but to trade for Dexter Lawrence
NBC Sports • • general
Key Points:
- The Bengals traded their first-round pick for the first time since 1989, giving up the tenth overall pick to acquire veteran player Lawrence, despite the high cost and his age.
- First-round picks are valuable for being young and affordable, especially under the 2011 labor deal, making this trade unusual given Lawrence's expensive contract, which includes $22 million in 2026 and $25 million in 2027.
- Bengals' VP Duke Tobin justified the trade by emphasizing the urgent need to improve the team’s poor run defense, which allowed the highest rushing yards per game in the league last season.
- The Bengals are close to playoff contention, and with other division teams undergoing coaching changes, acquiring Lawrence is seen as a strategic move to strengthen their defense and enhance quarterback Joe Burrow’s chances in postseason play.
- Despite Lawrence’s previous team, the Giants, also having a weak run defense, Bengals hope his presence will motivate improvement and help the team get off the field faster to support offensive success.
