NFL executives expand on how Joe Burrow impacted Bengals' decision to trade for Dexter Lawrence II

The perception exists that the Cincinnati Bengals sent the New York Giants the 10th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II to show star quarterback Joe Burrow that they are serious about winning this coming season. 

On Wednesday, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US expanded on such takes. 

Bengals had clear Joe Burrow objective this offseason

"Sending a signal to their quarterback at a critical juncture in the organization's relationship with him was always at the core of this offseason," La Canfora wrote about the Bengals and Burrow.

The Bengals ultimately ensured that Lawrence is signed through the 2028 season when they handed him a short-term extension that included a pay raise. As for Burrow, a February report teased that he could at least consider asking for a trade next offseason if the Bengals miss the playoffs for a fourth straight year. 

Late in the 2025 campaign, Burrow mentioned that he needed "to have fun [playing] again." One long-time personnel executive who spoke with La Canfora suggested that Bengals president Mike Brown heard Burrow's message loud and clear. 

"I still can’t (stinking) believe it," the executive said about the Bengals trading for Lawrence. "It’s not the kind of thing I would ever picture him doing. I worked for Mike Brown. I know Mike Brown…I never would have guessed it."

Why Bengals were willing to give up this year's first-round draft pick

Previously, The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner predicted that the Bengals could've grabbed LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane at pick No. 10. A general manager who spoke with La Canfora speculated that Cincinnati could've targeted Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.

"I can see why he’d make the trade," the GM added about the Bengals' decision to land Lawrence. "They didn’t love the position they were in. Joe Burrow is getting closer to 30 (he'll turn 30 in December). When Lawrence brings it, he’s the best defensive tackle in the league."

La Canfora noted that "Burrow has been quite clearly watching every Bengals transaction quite closely" this offseason. Even if Lawrence fails to reclaim his best form with the Bengals, Burrow has to be a fan of this bold move heading into May.