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Bengals Acquire Dexter Lawrence, Add Players, Hopkins Seeks Reunion

5/4/2026

47 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Cincinnati traded the No. 10 pick to New York for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
They signed Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, drafted safety Cashius Howell and added wide receiver Colbie Young with a fourth-round pick, noting his 2024 arrest.
DeAndre Hopkins wants to join quarterback Joe Burrow after 22 catches for 330 yards and no 1,000-yard season since 2023.
T.J. Slaton could be traded for a 2027 fifth-round pick, saving $6.7 million.

History

Historical Context

Since the NFL introduced its first $33.8 million salary cap in 1994, teams have reshaped rosters to stay under the limit. That season forced the Chargers to cut or trade ten starters, illustrating the cap’s immediate impact. In 2024, Bengals GM Marc Brett saved $6.7 million by trading T.J. Slaton, echoing those early-cap-driven moves.

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Story summary

Cincinnati traded the No. 10 pick to New York for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
They signed Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, drafted safety Cashius Howell and added wide receiver Colbie Young with a fourth-round pick, noting his 2024 arrest.
DeAndre Hopkins wants to join quarterback Joe Burrow after 22 catches for 330 yards and no 1,000-yard season since 2023.
T.J. Slaton could be traded for a 2027 fifth-round pick, saving $6.7 million.

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