Future of Joe Burrow may have impacted Bengals' decision to trade for Dexter Lawrence II

The perception exists that the Cincinnati Bengals may have overpaid to acquire defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants when the Bengals sent the Giants the No. 10 selection in this week's draft for Lawrence on Saturday. 

On Monday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter suggested that the Bengals landed Lawrence and then signed him to a one-year, $28M contract extension to make star quarterback Joe Burrow happy. 

Are the rumors about Joe Burrow possibly leaving Bengals accurate?

"This is considered to be a hugely significant season for Joe Burrow and his future in Cincinnati," Schefter explained. "If the Bengals cannot turn it around, some have speculated about whether Burrow might wonder whether he is better off playing in another NFL city. The Bengals had to give Burrow and the franchise the best chance to win now. Lawrence does that, more than any player they could have picked at No. 10."

Burrow raised some eyebrows when he mentioned this past December that he needed "to have fun [playing] again." It was then reported in February that Burrow could look to leave the Bengals if Cincinnati misses the playoffs for a fourth straight year. 

That said, Bengals tackle Orlando Brown Jr. recently insisted that Burrow "loves being a Bengal" and "gives his all for the city." Nevertheless, it sounds like some associated with the Bengals are worried that Burrow's love for the organization could disappear at some point over the next 12 months. 

Bengals defended for making bold Dexter Lawrence II move

"A few front office executives explained why the deal makes sense for Cincinnati," Schefter added. "For starters, the defensive tackle group in this year's draft is not considered strong. But one general manager said the defensive tackles in the next two drafts are sub-standard. Lawrence can rightfully be expected to have a bigger impact for the Bengals this season than any DT -- and probably any other defensive player -- who would have been available at No. 10."

The Bengals will now hope that Lawrence helps the club play in at least one meaningful January 2027 game and that bolstering their defense will show Burrow that those running the franchise are serious about the club returning to winning ways as soon as possible.