Bengals Sign DT Dexter Lawrence to One-Year, $28M Extension Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II completed his physical with the Cincinnati Bengals and has agreed to a one-year, $28 million contract extension, according to the Win Sports Group, which shared the news with ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday. The deal, which was finalized after Lawrence passed his medical exam, ensures he will remain with the Bengals through the 2025 season. The move marks the first time in the Bengals’ history they have traded a top-10 draft pick for a player since the common draft era began in 1966. Lawrence, 28, was acquired by the Bengals in a trade with the New York Giants for the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. The Giants had reached an impasse with Lawrence over a new contract, prompting him to request a trade after seven seasons with New York. The Giants, who now hold the rights to the No. 5 and No. 10 first-round picks, finalized the deal to move on from Lawrence, who had been a key part of their defense but had grown frustrated with the lack of progress in negotiations. Lawrence’s extension with Cincinnati comes as the Bengals aim to bolster their defense, which struggled during the 2024 season. The team missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year, and general manager Duke Tobin emphasized the importance of Lawrence’s role in their plans. “Dexter fits the vision we have on our defense and will also elevate others around him,” Tobin said in a statement. “We are confident in Dexter and can’t wait to see the positive effects he and the other players we have acquired this offseason have on our football team. We are excited to turn to the draft and our remaining picks to further enhance our team.#new_york_giants #adam_schefter #cincinnati_bengals #dexter_lawrence #win_sports_group
