Cincinnati Bengals
Getty
The Bengals were urged to trade for Dexter Lawrence
The Cincinnati Bengals have made an effort to improve their defense this offseason. They began free agency by signing safety Bryan Cook, edge Boye Mafe and interior defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to multi-year contracts. However, those moves may not make up for the fact that the team lost superstar pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to the Baltimore Ravens.
Cincinnati’s three additions’ combined contracts were worth only $13 million more than Hendrickson’s $112 million contract with the Ravens. While it is possible that the three players combined may end up having a bigger impact than what Hendrickson could have done, losing Hendrickson’s elite pass rushing skills is a big blow to the Bengals defense.
Whether the Bengals did enough to address a unit that allowed the third-most points in the NFL last season is up for debate. However, one Sports Illustrated writer seems to believe the Bengals should consider trading for an All-Pro player,who recently requested a trade.
Cincinnati Bengals Urged to Trade for Dexter Lawrence
Sports Illustrated’s Zach Pressnell believes the Bengals should not stop addressing their defense this offseason. He wrote that New York Giants Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence requesting a trade is the perfect opportunity for Cincinnati.
While the team has already addressed the interior of the defensive line, with the addition of Jonathan Allen, Allen is more of a pass rusher than run defender. Cincinnati still needs a boost to their struggling run defense, and Lawrence would provide exactly that.
Pressnell wrote:
“A trade for Lawrence is the perfect move to make.
Lawrence was top 10 among defensive tackles in PFF grade, posting a grade over 75 last season. He didn’t record a full sack last season, but he still found ways to wreck the game. Lawrence is a run stuffer in the middle of the defensive line, while doubling as an excellent pass rusher. He would be the perfect fit for the Bengals.”
Cincinnati would likely have to pay a premium price for Lawrence, as Giants general manager Joe Schoen had previously indicated that their plan was for Lawrence to be part of the Giants roster in 2026.
Dexter Lawrence’s Impact
Lawrence has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times in his career, and has been named a second-team All-Pro twice.. His performance during the 2022 season led to the Giants signing him to a four-year, $87 million extension. He then followed that season up with another strong 2023 campaign, which led to him being ranked No. 23 on the NFL’s top 100 players list.
In 2022 and 2023, he was Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated interior defensive lineman; however, that has slightly declined since. During the 2025 season, he was ranked as the No. 9 interior defensive lineman and received his worst run defense grade since the 2021 season.
Lawrence, 28, should still have a decent number of years as a high-level player in the NFL, but it is possible he has already peaked.That is something Cincinnati will have to consider when discussing a potential trade, as Lawrence will also likely require an extension if a trade is completed.