Cincinnati Bengals
· 2026-07-01
The Cincinnati Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman, in a blockbuster move this offseason.
The Bengals sent the No. 10 pick to the Giants in exchange for Lawrence, a move that was criticized by ESPN analyst Seth Walder.
Walder wrote that the trade was uncharacteristic and unwise for the Bengals, citing Lawrence's down season last year.
The Bengals are currently standing 16th in the American Football Conference with a 3-14 record, on a L2 streak, and are looking to improve their defense.
The addition of Lawrence is expected to boost the team's defense, but Walder's criticism has raised questions about the trade.
The Bengals will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 13, 2026, in their next game, and the team's performance will be closely watched.
The Bengals also signed Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, and Jonathan Allen to contracts worth up to a combined $125 million in free agency.
Walder liked the addition of Mafe, but criticized the signing of Allen, saying he didn't produce much last season.
The Bengals' offseason moves have been aggressive, but the team's success will depend on how well the new players perform.
And with the team's defense being a major concern, the Bengals will need to see significant improvement from their new additions.
But the criticism from Walder has raised questions about the team's decision-making, and the Bengals will need to prove themselves on the field.
So the Bengals will be looking to turn their season around, starting with their next game against the Buccaneers.
The team's fans will be watching closely to see how the new players perform, and the Bengals will need to show that their offseason moves were worth it.
The Bengals' current standing and record are a concern, but the team is looking to improve with their new additions.
The next game against the Buccaneers will be a test for the Bengals, and the team will need to come out strong if they want to turn their season around.