It’s a done deal. Star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II will wear the Cincinnati Bengals stripes, at least for the next year. He signed a one-year, $28M deal. However, after his trade with the team was finalized, new reports involving the Cleveland Browns emerged. 

NFL reporter Josh Taylor made two X posts. On Saturday, Taylor revealed that he was told about a plausible deal between the Browns and Lawrence twice.

“Had two people tell me the Browns are looking to finalize a trade for Lawrence. Now we wait and see.”

However, Lawrence will be playing with Joe Burrow and Co., leaving a wake of “what if” behind him.

The Bengals traded their overall No. 10 pick to the New York Giants in exchange for Lawrence. The AFC franchise was certainly motivated to have Lawrence on their side.

This is the second time since 1989 that the Bengals have not had a round one pick in the NFL draft. 

While the move can be shocking to many, it was long overdue for both Lawrence and the Bengals. It was widely reported that the 28-year-old DT wanted out of the Giants after contract negotiations did not conclude in either’s favor.

Lawrence asked for a trade early in April and was even absent from the team’s offseason practice. 

And the Bengals, on the flip side, need to amp up the defense after their atrocious 2025 season. Their defense ranked 32nd overall across the league, and the Bengals allowed the highest rate of missed tackles at 81.

Acquiring Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowler with 30.5 sacks and 341 tackles in seven seasons, is a step in the right direction. 

Now, the Bengals have a defensive weapon, but also ensured that their rivals, already a formidable defensive force, don’t have an upper hand over them.

Do The Browns Really Need A Defensive Lineman?

For the Browns, a star DT like Lawrence, alongside the reigning and two-time defensive player of the year Myles Garrett, would have become an invincible unit to win against. 

What the Browns lack in their offense, they make up for in their counterpart, and very well. In 2025, Garrett set a new NFL record for the most sacks in a season with 23.

With him, rookie Carson Schwesinger, DT Mason Graham, and safety Grant Delpit contributed significantly to the Browns’ defense high ranking. 

And their numbers can attest. Schwesinger made 156 tackles and 2.5 sacks in total, while Graham made 49 and 0.5 sacks. Delpit recorded 89 for three and three sacks.

The franchise was at No. 4 overall with 283.6 yards allowed per game. And PFF regarded the Browns as No.1 as a defensive line.

The Browns also made history last season. They became the fourth-ever team to win DPOT (Garrett) and Defensive Rookie of the Year (Schwesinger) in a season.

So, have the Browns missed out on a golden opportunity?

Well, the Bengals are relishing their victory. What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments below.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi