Episode Details

Bengals Defense: Trade for Dexter Lawrence, Boost Contender Status

The Bengals defense, long plagued by struggles, needs a star player to turn things around in 2026. With the tenth overall pick in the NFL draft, they could snag a top defender, but a trade might expedite the process. The front office has cap room, with $20 million available this year and a top-ten projection for next, so why not make a big move?

Kay Adams, host of the Up and Adams show, suggests the Bengals should grab New York Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence. She outlines a plan to acquire him without surrendering a first-round pick, pairing him with a draft steal to rebuild the defense from the ground up.

Fans and analysts believe Lawrence would have a significant impact, as he outperforms former Bengal D.J. Reader as a pass rusher and remains younger at 29 compared to Readers 32. While a reunion with Reader is a possibility, acquiring Lawrence would fill the nose tackle void left since 2023.

Trade packages could also allow the Bengals to move up for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, a franchise-type prospect who surpasses last years linebacker picks like Demetrius Knight Junior and Barrett Carter. Other tenth-pick targets, such as safety Caleb Downs or Miamis Rueben Bain Junior, could address lesser gaps in the secondary or edge rush.

To make this happen, the Bengals might need to restructure Joe Burrows contract, but it would instantly elevate their defense into contender status. The Bengals should seize the opportunity and own the tenth pick power.

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