Bengals show Joe Burrow they’re serious about winning with Dexter Lawrence move

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 16: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals speaks with head coach Zac Taylor prior to a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at Paycor Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For two straight years, the defense of the Cincinnati Bengals held the team back and out of the playoffs.

Late last season, Joe Burrow indicated that he wasn't happy with the franchise's state of affairs.

Then, Duke Tobin made what seemed like a ridiculous claim that he has always been all in".

Well, now, for the first time, it actually looks like it, thanks to the trade for New York Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. And one can't help but think that a lot of it has to do with the guy throwing the ball.

Giving up the 10th overall pick for a veteran player is a big move for most franchises. But for the Bengals, it's earth-shattering.

They do, after all, really love their NFL Draft picks and rarely even move up in the Draft, as they don't like giving up even late-round picks.

So this move must've really hurt, but Tobin and company knew there was no quick fix in the Draft, leaving them with no option other than adding a player of Lawrence's caliber.

With Burrow approaching 30 years old and the injuries piling up, the Bengals know using PR spin about the salary cap or selling fans on the potential of underperforming younger players just won't cut it anymore.

So this trade is huge, not just because of what it can do to transform the defense in 2026, but for the new precedent it has set for a franchise that has historically been far too passive in its roster building.