And, despite the adding of six defenders via free agency/trade, the team went that route again with their first two picks of 2026 NFL Draft picks. Cincinnati once again fortified the defense. At No. 41 overall, the team selected edge defender Cashius Howell, following it up with Washington cornerback, Tacario Davis.

A new opportunity is in place for Dexter Lawrence, and it comes with both a fresh start and a sizable raise. Lawrence didn’t need much time to buy into the move. “Once I heard Cincinnati was in that option, I got excited immediately,” he said.

It would be a significant double down at a position of need, but you can't rule it out for a Bengals team intent on adding defensive help.

The Cincinnati Bengals' 2025 NFL Draft class was criticized from the very beginning, and only Dylan Fairchild has risen above the criticism after one year.

On Saturday, the Cincinnati Bengals made a blockbuster move by trading the No. 10 pick in the NFL draft to the New York Giants in exchange for superstar defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

The Cincinnati Bengals surprised many around the NFL when they traded the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. As it turns out, the front office may feel some pressure from Joe Burrow to win now.

The Cincinnati Bengals pulled off a major trade for Dexter Lawrence on Saturday. How do they stack up with the best in the AFC now?