The Bengals have not traded away a first-round pick since 1989 due to a new labor deal limiting the contracts available at the top of the draft. The acquisition of Dexter Lawrence, who will cost the Bengals $22 million in 2026 and $25 million in 2025, was deemed too good to pass up. This comes as the team struggles to improve their run defense, particularly with quarterback Joe Burrow becoming increasingly impatient. The Bengals' run defense was as bad as it could have been last year, with the Giants' allowing 145.3 rushing yards per game, the highest average in the league.