Dexter Lawrence Trade Could Have a Major Say in Joe Burrow's Future Says NFL Insider
The Cincinnati Bengals knew they were going to take criticism for giving up the No. 10 pick to land Dexter Lawrence, but according to Adam Schefter, the move was about much more than just adding another defensive player.
Schefter believes the Bengals are fully aware that this is a huge year for Joe Burrow and for the future of the franchise. Cincinnati has already seen Burrow grow frustrated at times with the team's inability to consistently contend, and the front office knows it cannot afford to waste more years of his prime.
"This is a critical season for Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. ... The Bengals are doing what they can ... to make sure that they try to win this year to keep Joe Burrow happy."
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 20, 2026
-@AdamSchefter on the Dexter Lawrence trade between the Giants and Bengals pic.twitter.com/Pj0pozzHvG
While speaking to ESPN, Schefter shared his views on the trade and why it makes sense for the Bengals. He said,
"This is a critical season for Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. There are a lot of people around the league who feel the Bengals must do what they have to in order to keep him happy. The Bengals are doing what they can here to make their team competitive to get them the best player they can with the 10th overall pick and to try to make sure that they win this year to keep Joe Burrow happy. If there is another season that goes south, it is hard to imagine that Joe Burrow will be particularly pleased with that. And who knows what questions could arise after that and that is why the Bengals went out and made this move for immediate action right now."
A Closer Look at the Bengals Trade for Dexter Lawrence
The Cincinnati Bengals did not wait long to show how serious they are about Dexter Lawrence. Not only did they give up the No. 10 pick to get him from the New York Giants, they immediately followed that up by handing him a new deal that keeps him in Cincinnati for the next few years.
It is not the kind of move the Bengals usually make. Historically, Cincinnati has been much more cautious when it comes to trading away premium draft picks, especially for veterans. But this feels like a team that knows it cannot afford to sit back any longer.
With Joe Burrow still in his prime, the Bengals seem determined to do everything they can to build a contender around him right now rather than wait for young draft picks to develop.
Lawrence may not be coming off his best statistical season, but there is still a lot of belief around the league that he can return to being one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in football. At his best, he is the type of player offenses have to constantly account for.
The Bengals have also added Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen and Bryan Cook this offseason, but bringing in Lawrence is the clearest sign yet that Cincinnati is fully in win-now mode.
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 4:04 PM.