Bengals make win-now move with shortsighted Dexter Lawrence trade

The Bengals have been among the league's worst defensive teams over the past two seasons, giving up the third-most points per game (27.2) during that span, per Stathead data. They were equally as poor against the pass as the run, allowing the fourth-most yards per pass play and second-most yards per rush, according to NFL Pro.

Lawrence is one of the league's top interior defensive linemen, receiving three consecutive Pro Bowl nods from 2022-24. Despite only producing 0.5 sacks last season, the 6-foot-4, 340-pound tackle is an elite inside presence and the constant target of double-teams. Earlier this offseason, the Bengals signed veteran lineman Jonathan Allen (6-3, 300 pounds), and the attention Lawrence receives could open him up to win one-on-one matchups.

The Bengals further invested in their defensive front by adding former Seattle Seahawks edge Boye Mafe. The four-year veteran had a career-high nine sacks in 2023, and he, too, should benefit from Lawrence's arrival.

The aggressive move to trade this year's first-round pick reveals the urgency the team is facing to win, considering the talent on offense, led by quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. 

In six seasons as a starting quarterback, Burrow has only two playoff appearances and none since 2022. The Bengals made the AFC championship game in both instances, including reaching their first Super Bowl since the 1988 season in February 2022.

With one of the game's top quarterbacks, Cincinnati should be a perennial playoff and Lombardi Trophy contender, not struggling to make the playoffs. Lawrence improves the team's odds of success this season, but it's fair to wonder how long that will be the case. The seven-year veteran turns 29 in November and may not have many more years in his prime, giving the Bengals a potentially short window to make the most out of the pairing.

In that regard, it would be nice to have that No. 10 pick to develop as a long-term member of the organization. But thanks to the team's recent struggles, Cincinnati didn't have that luxury. It's trading organic growth for a quick fix in Lawrence. Considering their playoff drought, the Bengals didn't have another choice.