Cincinnati Bengals: Locker room reinvigorated by trade for Lawrence
The Cincinnati Bengals had already added some significant pieces to the defense early in free agency, but trading their 10th overall pick to the New York Giants for nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II signaled they really are “all in” on getting back to being a title contender. That was the buzz around the locker room at Paycor Stadium on Monday as players convened for the first offseason workout program. News of the trade broke Saturday night, and players said it was a jolt then, but they could feel his presence on Day 1 being in the building together.
Lawrence arrived Sunday to make the trade official and participated in his first conditioning and weight lifting sessions Monday. “That is all in, if you ask me,” right tackle Amarius Mims said. “They (in the front office) know it’s ‘win now,’ we know it’s ‘win now,’ and we want to win, so why not get dogs in the middle and on the defensive side.
I’m happy. I am very excited about the game plan they put together. I’m very excited about the guys we brought in.
And it’s just like I said, that shows they’re all in, and everybody here’s all in too. So, you know, we’re happy about it. Couldn’t be more excited.
” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said he received a number of calls and texts from players over the weekend, and he could feel the energy from those conversations and around the building Monday. He said it’s “indescribable. ” Cincinnati has been looking for a DJ Reader replacement since he departed after the 2023 season, and Lawrence, at 6-foot-4, 340 pounds, can provide push in the run defense and pass rush.
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