The Cincinnati Bengals swung a massive trade this offseason, adding Dexter Lawrence at the high cost of the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While it’s a pricy cost, adding someone who could be as good as Lawrence on defense with the 10th pick didn’t seem likely. The Bengals made this trade thanks to a weak draft class. But that might not be the only reason.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, this trade was made in part because of Joe Burrow. There were some Burrow trade rumors at points recently, and while such a deal would be incredibly unlikely, it still might’ve played a factor in this trade.
Bengals made Dexter Lawrence trade in part due to Joe Burrow
“The Bengals want Burrow to be happy,” Barnwell writes. “… The Bengals have not been able to consistently surround Burrow with what he needs to win.”
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are two incredible wide receivers, but the defensive side of the ball has been a massive issue in Cincinnati.
With the Bengals seemingly not investing a ton of money or capital into the team outside of the WR duo and Burrow, the trade rumblings weren’t a massive surprise.
Burrow can’t force his way out of his deal as players could do in the NBA, but Burrow might’ve been able to force the envelope more than most other players if he wanted a trade.
More: Boye Mafe signing might’ve been a mistake by the Bengals
Barnwell called out how the “Bengals have a perception of being particularly cheap.” But now, such a notion is shut down with this Lawrence trade.
Even though Burrow might not actually demand a trade, this Lawrence deal with the 10th pick is a good way to act like a true win-now team.
Burrow is still in the prime of his career, and there’s no telling when that might be over. Capitalizing on it now is a must for Cincinnati.
While the 10th pick could’ve netted them a solid player for the next four-to-five years, Lawrence is a superstar-caliber player who will instantly make the defense better.
Cincinnati didn’t make this trade solely because of Burrow, but his frustrations with the team and the trade talks that began in the past year likely did play a role in the Bengals swinging this uncharacteristic, but welcome trade for Dexter Lawrence.