Lawrence is embracing Super Bowl expectations after joining Bengals

CINCINNATI (AP) — Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has three Pro Bowl appearances, 30.5 sacks and a reputation as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. What he doesn't have is significant postseason success with anyone.

After the Cincinnati Bengals traded their 10th overall pick to the New York Giants for the 28-year-old on Saturday, Lawrence hopes to be the piece the pushes the Bengals over the top.

“Honestly, it’s pressure, but I embrace pressure,” Lawrence said. “I’ve been having pressure all my life since high school. I’ve always been the guy to … just that guy in the middle who wrecks the game. I want to continue that. I’m going to continue that, and for them to have that trust in me to give up the 10th pick like that, it means a lot and I carry that.”

Lawrence requested a trade recently out of New York, and the Bengals gave the Giants the draft pick they were looking for as the deal came together quickly. Lawrence was initially looking for a contract extension with the Giants, and in the end that deal came together in Cincinnati.

“It was an abrupt change from thinking I’m going to have a long offseason to being here today,” Lawrence said. “I’m blessed and I’m ready to get rolling. Today you got to do a little lifting and running today, so I feel good. I’m ready to go.”

Monday was also the first day of the Bengals’ optional offseason program, which gave Lawrence the chance to work out and connect with teammates. He’s excited about the first impression he’s gaining about the Bengals’ organization. He also heard great things from former teammate and Bengals captain BJ Hill.

“When this opportunity came, I jumped at it because I knew I was going to be uncomfortable,” Lawrence said. “You got to learn a lot of new names, move to a new city, and bring my family and my dogs and find a place, so I knew it was going to be a little uncomfortable. That’s the process, though, and I think I handle it. I adjust well, and I handle those things well, so I was just excited to be here, especially with my dog BJ (Hill), to play with him. Get another opportunity to play with him and take this thing to another level.”

With Lawrence now in the fold, the Bengals have a very strong defensive tackle group that includes Jonathan Allen, Hill, TJ Slaton, Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson. It’s a position that had been a weakness on the Bengals’ roster for years, and now it looks like a strength.

Lawrence has also proven that he can make an impact as a pass rusher. His numbers did take a step back in 2025, but he was still double teamed as often as almost anyone in the NFL.

With help around him in Cincinnati, the Bengals are hoping that Lawrence makes the impact of a franchise player.

“It’s exciting,” coach Zac Taylor said. “For me, our organization, our locker room, our fan base. Everyone has been on board with this decision. Credit to ownership and the front office for getting this done. It’s not an easy thing, to forgo the 10th pick in the draft. But for a player of this caliber, we’re excited that we did it.”

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