Browns were also reportedly looking into Dexter Lawrence trade
There is an alternate timeline that would be much worse for the Bengals.
Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) talk between plays in the first quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Sam Greene-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images The Cincinnati Bengals pretty much shocked everyone when it was announced that the plan was to trade the No. 10 overall pick for the New York Giants’ defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
The move is unprecedented for the Bengals as it looks like it will be only the second time in franchise history that they won’t make a selection in the first round. However, it appears Lawrence could have ended up on a different AFC North team as things were entering the final stretch, according to NFL reporter Josh Taylor. Taylor reported early Saturday that it appeared Lawrence was being dealt into the AFC North, likely to the Cleveland Browns, though it obviously went to Ohio’s other NFL team.
Sexy Dexy is heading to the AFC North 👀 — Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) April 18, 2026 Had two people tell me the Browns are looking to finalize a trade for Lawrence. Now we wait and see. — Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) April 18, 2026 It sounds like the Bengals got aggressive late in the process.
If true, this is huge because it would have been insane for the Browns to have Myles Garrett and Lawrence on the same defensive line. As it stands, the Bengals’ defense just got so much better, and they potentially stole a huge improvement from a divisional opponent while they were at it.