The Cincinnati Bengals have been among the league’s bottom-ranked defenses over the past few seasons, and despite having a highly ranked offense, have been unable to make the postseason due to their defensive struggles.
The Bengals have made some additions to strengthen their defense in 2026, but they have also lost their best defensive player, Trey Hendrickson, to their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens. With cap space still available and holes to fill on their defense, the Bengals could be in the market to add an impact player on defense.
Kay Adams Urges Bengals to Trade for Giants DT Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence recently requested a trade from the New York Giants, and the Bengals could be a suitor given their need for defensive help.
“If the Giants are actually going to deal him [Dexter Lawrence], Orlando Brown [Jr.] just did his own deal with the Bengals, can we get Orlando Brown to play the agent and make it happen because Bengals, this could be your chance to make a move,” said NFL analyst Kay Adams.
Lawrence had a down year in 2025, ranking as the No. 38 defensive tackle in PFSN’s Defensive Tackle Impact Metric, registering 31 tackles (14 solo, 17 assists), 4 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and an interception. However, he’s just a year removed from making three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2022-2024.
“That’s a nice little upgrade, your defense needs help, it’s the only place you’re looking in the draft,” Adams added. “They need a star on that side of the ball, and if they add Dex, and if they draft a Caleb Downs, or a Sonny Styles, or maybe even a Rueben [Bain], we’re looking at this defense in a different light.”
The Bengals’ defense ranked No. 28 in PFSN’s Defense Impact Metrics in 2025, allowing the most rushing yards per game (147.1), the second-most total yards per game (380.9), and the third-most points per game (28.9).
Cincinnati has already added safety Bryan Cook, edge rusher Boye Mafe, veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, and safety Kyle Dugger in free agency. Adding a player of Lawrence’s caliber to those additions would be a massive upgrade for Cincinnati’s defense, especially if they can pair him with a young defensive building block with the 10th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
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Per Spotrac, Lawrence has two years remaining on the four-year, $87.5 million deal he signed with the Giants, with cap hits of $26,958,130 and $26,458,130 over the next two seasons. The Bengals have $20.36M in cap space remaining and could make a trade work financially.
Whether the Giants would be willing to move Lawrence, how much money they would be willing to take on, and what type of return they would be looking for remain unclear. Regardless, Lawrence figures to be one of the most coveted players on the trade market if he were to become available, and would be a name to watch out for in a trade during the draft.
