Dexter Lawrence Reveals Why Bengals Trade Lit a Fire in Him

Dexter Lawrence only had 0.5 sacks in 2025, but he still believes that he can make a positive impact for the Bengals defense which ranked last in most of the metrics in 2025.

Dexter Lawrence Reveals Why Bengals Trade Lit a Fire in Him

Bengals DT Dexter Lawrence (Image via IMAGO/X)

In Short
  • Dexter Lawrence signed a one-year contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals after being traded from the New York Giants.
  • The Bengals traded their 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire Lawrence, who aims to improve the team's struggling defense.
  • Lawrence expressed gratitude for the trade and stated he has a renewed motivation to perform at a high level in Cincinnati.

After seven years and 111 appearances in NFL games, Dexter Lawrence bid goodbye to the New York Giants on Sunday. The All-Pro defensive tackle is now part of the Cincinnati Bengals by signing a one-year contract extension.

As he was getting close to the final year of his previous contract with the Giants, Lawrence sought an extension close to $30 million APY. This landed him on the trade block. The Giants went around offering Lawrence to other teams, and eventually, they accepted the offer from the Bengals.

According to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the negotiation period lasted for roughly two weeks before the teams officially agreed on suitable compensation. On Sunday, Lawrence put pen to paper on a deal that will earn him $28 million for the 2026 season and $70 million over the course of the next three years.

The 28-year-old spoke with Geoff Hobson of the Bengals and revealed the reason behind choosing the Bengals over other teams.

I know they gave up a lot for me, and I appreciate that. I don’t take that for granted. I have a fire in me.

Lawrence said (H/T: Bengals official website)

The Bengals parted ways with their 10th overall pick in the 2026 draft to acquire Lawrence’s services. However, skeptics do question the timing of the deal. Lawrence just finished his worst season in terms of making sacks (just half a sack in 17 games). His lingering elbow issue may have played a part in it. He aims to start afresh in Cincinnati and give his best for the Bengals organization.

I picked up a little turf on the field. I got chills when I got out there. I just see myself helping this team be where it’s supposed to be….I enjoy pressure. I enjoy being under that type of light. I write down notes, and my notes are, ‘Let my light shine all the time.’ And keep joy. Don’t let anything steal your joy.

Lawrence said

Former Bengals WR gives optimistic take about team’s future following the Dexter Lawrence trade

The Bengals’ defense struggled to shut down opposing offenses last year. FOX Sports’ metric revealed that the Bengals’ defense posted the second-worst overall numbers (380.9 yards per game), with the rushing defense ranked 32nd, scoring defense ranked 30th, and third-down defense ranked 28th in 2025.

Dexter Lawrence Reveals Why Bengals Trade Lit a Fire in Him
Dexter Lawrence (Image via IMAGO)

On the latest episode of the Nightcap podcast, co-host of the show and former Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson praised owner Mike Brown for splashing the cash ahead of the NFL draft. From Johnson’s perspective, Lawrence will drastically improve the team’s defense.

Let’s see Derrick Henry run the goddamn ball now. Huh? Let’s see him run the goddamn ball now. [As a] matter of fact, let’s see him throw the ball now. Cuz DJ Turner, they’re picking everything off like a booger.

Johnson said

However, the other half of the hosting duo, three-time Super Bowl winner Shannon Sharpe, noted that Lawrence is not in the same league as the Steelers’ Cam Heyward or Ravens’ star Nnamdi Madubuike.

Based on that 0.5 sacks, he was not the third-best defensive tackle in football… Hey, y’all already know Lamar [Jackson] owns Cincinnati.

Sharpe said

Lawrence has to step up if he wants to make an immediate impact in the AFC North. He will get a helping hand from Super Bowl winner Boye Mafe and a few newcomers to the league, Demetrius Knight Jr., and Barrett Carter.

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