Bengals will do ‘significant’ contract extension for Dexter Lawrence
The Bengals will do a blockbuster contract, too. Here's what it could look like.
The Cincinnati Bengals , pending a physical, pulled off a blockbuster trade for Dexter Lawrence ahead of the NFL draft. As expected, the Bengals did so with the understanding that Lawrence will need a massive contract extension upon arrival. According to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz , no problem there: The Bengals “are expected to hammer out a significant long-term deal” with the star defensive lineman.
What could a big contract extension for Lawrence look like? He’s already on a four-year extension worth $90 million that runs through 2027. He’s a cap hit of $20 million and $22 million over the next two seasons.
Expect that to look small soon. Spotrac recently pointed out the highest average-paid defensive linemen in the NFL: Chris Jones, $31. 75M Jordan Davis, $26M Milton Williams, $26M Zach Allen, $25.
5M Nnamdi Madubuike, $24. 5M] A Lawrence extension will push his per-year average to around $30 million per year. Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reported that the Giants attempted to give Lawrence a raise, but couldn’t get it done before the trade.