The Cincinnati Bengals completely shook up the NFL Draft, trading the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants. In return, they got a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive lineman, Dexter Lawrence, at a major position of need. Even more important, they may have kept quarterback Joe Burrow happy.
ESPN writer Bill Barnwell recently dove into the Lawrence trade. There, he had a few major takeaways. That includes things like how this implies that the Bengals weren’t thrilled with this draft class and how the team believes he can be a game-changer for their defense. The impact on Burrow might be most important of all, though.
How Trading for Dexter Lawrence Could Keep Joe Burrow Happy with the Cincinnati Bengals
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 04: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
This offseason, there has been some concern about the future of Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. In particular, the chance that he may not be happy with the current situation that he finds himself in.
“And yet, there’s a reason trade talk swirls around Burrow but not around Josh Allen in Buffalo or Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, neither of whom is in one of the league’s biggest or most prominent media markets,” Barnwell wrote. “The Bengals have not been able to consistently surround Burrow with what he needs to win.”
With Joe Burrow, the Bengals have made it to a Super Bowl, losing once they got there. That was back in 2021, and it’s now been three seasons since the Bengals even made it to the playoffs.
The Dexter Lawrence trade then does a pair of things. It adds a talented player at a position of need, but it also shows that the team is willing to not be as cheap as its reputation.
“The Bengals have a perception of being particularly cheap, but I’m not sure that’s really borne out in terms of on-field spending. Between 2022 and 2025, they were 22nd in the league in cash spending, ahead of teams like the Seahawks (30th) and Rams (32nd). They project to be eighth in cash spent this year… Last year, Burrow looked enviously toward the Eagles and suggested that Philadelphia ‘pays everyone.’ Although that’s not actually true, you can understand why Burrow would look at other organizations and see them paying for a quarterback, a standout receiver or two, and difference-makers on both sides of the football,” Barnwell wrote.
Cincinnati immediately was able to extend Lawrence. Regardless of what you think about that deal, it’s potentially a sign of changing times for the Bengals, and a signal of that to Burrow.
Adam Schefter Believes This is a Hugely Significant Season for the Bengals and Burrow
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 28: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
On Monday, ESPN insider Adam Schefter addressed the Dexter Lawrence trade. He would also draw a direct line with the trade to the Bengals, looking to help keep Joe Burrow happy, calling this a “hugely significant season” for the two sides.
Continued struggles could make Burrow want to find a new franchise in the near future. However, he’d likely be happy to stay if Cincinnati got back to its winning ways.
The AFC North is potentially wide open this season. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens all have new head coaches. That’s going to lead to questions and opportunities, if the Bengals can strike quickly.
How the Bengals Trading for Dexter Lawrence Could Keep Joe Burrow Happy