The Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence earlier this offseason, and it cost them the 10th overall selection in 2026.
The trade was probably worth it, as Lawrence is an absolute force on the interior defensive line. There were no interior linemen with the dominance that Lawrence possesses available in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Bengals knew that, and used that knowledge to their advantage.
Now, Lawrence and the Bengals are patiently waiting for 2026 training camp to begin. As well all wait with anticipation, Dexter Lawrence got a massive message.
Bengals IDL Dexter Lawrence Receives Huge Message Ahead of 2026 Training Camp
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals is sacked by Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium on October 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently put together a list of veterans on new teams that he’s most excited to see during training camp. On that list, you could find Bengals IDL Dexter Lawrence, along with an explanation as to why.
“Adding Lawrence was costly, but it will give Cincinnati a difference-making defender who can lead by example. ‘It’s part of my role to allow people to understand my knowledge of the game and to grow in that sense. I’m just excited to keep growing with them and learning,’ Lawrence said, per Joe Reedy of the Associated Press.
While the Bengals are still likely to lead with Joe Burrow and their explosive offense, we wouldn’t expect their defense to always be a step or two behind in training camp. Lawrence should help the defense, which ranked 31st overall last season, to gain some valuable confidence over the summer.
If Lawrence can help Cincinnati’s defense be even average in the regular season, the Bengals will have a real chance to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022.”
There’s no question that the Bengals’ defense needed a presence like Dexter Lawrence in the middle of it. As long as the Bengals can have around a league-average defensive unit, their offense could propel them to being a legitimate contender in 2026.
WR Tee Higgins Leaves Nike, Signs with Under Armour
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 16: Tee Higgins #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Paycor Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
In a Wednesday post on X by reporter Jordan Schultz, it was announced that Tee Higgins is officially an Under Armour guy.
“Sources: Bengals star WR Tee Higgins is signing with Under Armour after previously being with Nike. The Pro Bowler will be a central part of Under Armour’s football marketing efforts moving forward and one of the key faces of the brand’s football division.”
Higgins had been with Nike for six year. He initially signed after he was drafted by the Bengals with the 33rd selection of the 2020 NFL Draft. He now jumps ship to Under Armour, and it is currently unclear how much the assumed-lucrative deal is worth.
Bengals’ $70 Million Defensive Superstar Gets Massive Message Ahead of Camp