The Cincinnati Bengals made a shocking move on Saturday night, trading their No. 10 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft in exchange for three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
Lawrence had recently requested a trade from the New York Giants after seven seasons, as the two sides were unable to agree on a contract extension.
Despite still having two years remaining on his deal, Lawrence quickly signed a one-year, $28 million extension with Cincinnati after arriving Sunday morning.
After touring the facility and finalizing his contract, Lawrence sat down with Bengals reporter Dan Hoard to discuss the trade — and he delivered a clear message to the rest of the NFL. The veteran defensive tackle said he’s more motivated than ever and intends to prove the Bengals right for investing in him by giving up a top-10 pick.
“They wanted me here, and they appreciate the work that I’ve put in over the last seven seasons,” Lawrence said. “I appreciate that, and I’m going to do everything I can to show them they didn’t waste it. I’ve got a fire in me — a fire I haven’t had before. I’m excited, and I’m excited to be a Bengal.”
Outside of earning three Pro Bowl selections, Lawrence is also a two-time All-Pro and has totaled 341 tackles, 103 quarterback hits, 40 tackles for loss, and 30.5 sacks over his career.
He has firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s top interior pass rushers and run stoppers, and now joins a significantly improved Bengals defense that has added edge rusher Boye Mafe, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, and safeties Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger this offseason.