Sexy Dexy

Is this real life? Did the Bengals actually trade their first top 10 pick in 5 seasons less than a week before the draft? Did the Bengals already extend the player they traded for to a contract that keeps him in Cincinnati for the next 3 seasons? Yes. Yes to all of the questions! What an exciting time to be a Bengals fan. Let's talk about it!

Around 8:30 on Saturday the 18th of April the Bengals did something that seemed more unlikely than pigs flying. They made a trade for a star player that instantly improves the defense, which I don't have to remind everyone that it was one of the worst in almost every statistical category last season. The Bengals front office has taken shot after shot from the fans and the media over their lack of urgency to fix the glaring issues. Those concerns are all out the window now. The Bengals went big in free agency addressing the secondary and pass rush issues. Later in free agency they improved the defensive line adding Jonathan Allen to help in the run game. The most noteworthy addition to the team being acquired via trade, Dexter Lawrence.

The Bengals and Giants agree to a straight trade of pick 10 in Thursday's draft in exchange for Dexter Lawrence. Lawrence is a 28 year old pro-bowl interior defensive lineman. The Bengals almost immediately extended him for an additional season at 28 million for that year. That puts him on a 3-year 23.3 million / year contract. If you take a look around the league at other IDL contracts, 23.3 million is a bargain for a player like Lawrence. 

Some of the criticisms the Bengals are taking about Lawrence are the sack numbers being low. For me, that does not matter. Lawrence was not traded for to sack the quarterback, he was brought in to help the pass rushers like Boye Mafe and Shamar Stewart. He was brought in to plug the middle against the run. He was brought in to allow the linebackers to play more pass coverage, that in turn takes the pressure off the secondary. Which also improved from last season as well. The addition of Lawrence completely revamps the entire defense.

The Bengals still hold both of their day 2 picks. Let's look at some of the potential 2nd round picks.

D'Angelo Ponds (CB) - Indiana / James Madison

He played in 15 of Indiana's 16 games during their national championship season. Over his 3 seasons, 1st season at JMU, final 2 at Indiana, he had 7 interceptions, scored 4 touchdowns, forced 1 fumble and recovered 2. He carried a passer rating of 54.5 over 3 seasons. 

Jacob Rodriguez (LB) - Texas Tech / Virginia

Rodriguez finished 5th in Heisman voting in 2025. He won 4 different awards, including the Dick Butkus award which is given to the nations best linebacker. He can play coverage, he can stop the run, and when needed he can rush the passer. All things that would be an immediate improvement from last years team. Yes, the Bengals already have young linebackers they drafted and are starting to develop. But in win now mode adding a guy like Rodriguez to the team to light a fire under the current guys can never hurt.

R Mason Thomas (Edge) - Oklahoma

He played all 4 years at Oklahoma, first 2 seasons as a Big 12 school, final 2 seasons as an SEC school. Over his 4 years he had 17 total sacks, 5.5 of those sacks coming in ranked SEC games. That is not an easy thing to do. This would be a guy opposite of Shemar or Boye Mafe. Thomas is only 6'2 weighing 249 pounds and he ran a 4.67 40 yard dash. He isn't built like Stewart or Mafe and he isn't nearly as quick as those guys either. But with the addition of Lawrence and Allen to plug up the middle, the pass rush should have a better chance to get home. 

When there is a trade made in the NFL everyone always wants to figure out who won the trade, who lost the trade, did anyone get fleeced, things like that. In this case I think it was a win win for both teams. The Giants have a young core and are not in "win now" mode like the Bengals are. The Bengals are at a spot where the offense can compete with anyone in the NFL and the defense couldn't stop a high school offense. This trade makes sense for both. The Giants now get to pick 5th and 10th, both picks have the potential to be starters that make an immediate impact. They will both be locked in for 4 years with a 5th year available if the Giants choose. The Giants also gain the freedom to spend the money they were going to pay Lawrence for the next 2 season potentially on free agents next year, or heck even make a mid season trade if their record allows. The Bengals "spent" their 10th pick on a proven guy that makes an immediate impact. Sitting at 10 the Bengals were at risk of missing out on everyone they would have wanted to draft, Downs, Bain Jr, Styles. Trading that pick takes away all the uncertainty of who will be available when they would be on the clock. They have a pro bowler ready to get to work in stripes. This is the approach the Rams take, trade potential for proven. Look where that gets them. They make deep playoff runs frequently and have won a Super Bowl with that mentality. I think this is a great move for the future of the Cincinnati Bengals and I truly hope this is the beginning of a culture shift. 

This trade also shows Joe Burrow that the front office is competent and willing to build around him. I would be lying if part of me didn't fear him leaving after his contract is expired to play for McVay and the Rams. It is too perfect of a path not to consider it. Stafford is showing no signs of slowing down with age and could very well be around when Burrows contract is up. If that was the case, I could see a world where Stafford retires and the Rams sign free agent Joe Burrow. Why wouldn't Burrow want to go there? They are competitive year in and year out, they trade for and sign immediate impact guys to build around their stars. It is a dream destination for a quarterback. Now, the Bengals have shown they are willing to be like the Rams and build around their talent. Albeit, this is a 1 year sample size, I believe this is just the beginning. Once the front office sees the impact that Lawrence has for the defense, they will be more willing to trade draft picks for guys that help you win now. When Burrow is under center every year is a Super Bowl year from an offensive stand point. I have seen Burrow lead scoring drives throwing to Tanner Hudson and Trent Taylor. The one thing Burrow can't do is play defense. Build the defense up and Burrow will handle the offense. 

There is a lot to be excited for in Cincinnati heading into the 2026 season. The key guys on offense are signed and ready to go, the defense is now built. It is time to win!

As always, and with more intensity now, WHO DEY & GO REDLEGS!