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Bengals Trade No. 10 for Dexter Lawrence, Bolster Defense

5/21/2026

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Summary

Bengals Acquire Lawrence

The Bengals traded the No. 10 pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
The Bengals signed safety Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, tackle Jonathan Allen (two-year, $26 million, $28 million max) and safety Kyle Dugger.
Quarterback Joe Burrow said the roster is his most talented and that he was less involved in offseason decisions.
Analysts noted the defense, ranked 30th in 2024 and 31st in 2025, should improve with interior linemen.

Summary

Bengals Playoff Odds

DraftKings listed the Bengals at -170 to reach playoffs, odds among NFL clubs.
Burrow, who started eight games in 2025 when Cincinnati went 5-3 versus 1-8 without him, needs 48 touchdowns in 2026 to break Andy Dalton’s 204-TD record.
The 2026 schedule includes a Year’s Eve clash with the Ravens, a game Burrow calls a battle, while analysts note the Bengals’ playoff drought reaches 2022, their longest since the 2000s.

Summary

Burrow Denies Ultimatum

Joe Burrow denied giving the Bengals an ultimatum and said his role was minimal.
Duke Tobin, the de facto general manager, led personnel and stayed in constant contact with Burrow.
Organized team activities begin June 1, with a mandatory minicamp starting June 16.
Burrow said the front office faced heavy criticism but can now move past it.
The No. 10 overall pick trade for Dexter Lawrence was described as an unusually bold NFL move.

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Bengals Acquire Lawrence

The Bengals traded the No. 10 pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
The Bengals signed safety Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, tackle Jonathan Allen (two-year, $26 million, $28 million max) and safety Kyle Dugger.
Quarterback Joe Burrow said the roster is his most talented and that he was less involved in offseason decisions.
Analysts noted the defense, ranked 30th in 2024 and 31st in 2025, should improve with interior linemen.

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