Bucky Brooks thinks the Bengals may have landed the AFC North’s biggest offseason game-changer, and he’s pointing straight at Dexter Lawrence.
NFL.com’s Brooks picked one offseason move for each division as training camps open this week, and Cincinnati got the nod in the AFC North thanks to the trade for the massive defensive tackle. In Brooks’ view, Lawrence could alter the balance in one of the league’s most brutal divisions.
“The Bengals' abysmal defense has wasted some of Joe Burrow's prime, but the arrival of Lawrence could lead to a resurgence in Cincinnati,” Brooks wrote. “‘Sexy Dexy’ didn't come cheap -- the Bengals gave the Giants the No. 10 overall pick in April's draft -- but the 6-foot-5, 350-pounder is a rare find as a monstrous run defender with pass-rush skills. Despite a disappointing 2025 that saw him register career lows in tackles (31), sacks (0.5) and QB hits (8), Lawrence still strikes me as a true game-wrecker when he is fit and focused.
“As a commanding presence who attracts double teams and extra attention, the three-time Pro Bowler should help the Bengals' edge rushers find more sack opportunities against 1-on-1 matchups on the outside. Most importantly, Lawrence should squash opponents' ground games and eliminate the keep-away tactics used to keep Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown on the sidelines. Given more chances to score by a defense that can actually get off the field, Cincy's offense should re-emerge as a potent unit, allowing the Bengals to end a three-year postseason drought.”
That’s the bet in Cincinnati: Lawrence as the piece that can steady the front, change how teams attack the Bengals, and make life easier for Burrow and the offense.
There’s also plenty of reason to think Lawrence can hit the ground running. The source material says there’s been no sign he’s headed for a continued slide, he’s been healthy all offseason, he’s just 28, and he now has the chance to play for a contender for the first time this decade.
And with no dead cap liabilities attached to his contract, Cincinnati isn’t carrying any extra baggage here. The pressure is on Lawrence to deliver right away.
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