Jason Burgos
A new rumor claims that long before the Cincinnati Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence, they were eyeing a deal for a star defensive lineman. However, the deal fell apart for a very specific reason.
Last week, the Bengals stunned many around the NFL when they gave up their opportunity to make the 10th selection this week’s NFL Draft to acquire New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The three-time Pro Bowler was disgruntled and coming off a down season, so many thought the Giants would be lucky if they got a second-rounder for his services.
Whether you like the cost of the trade or not, the Bengals still got notably better on defense for 2026. Something they badly needed to do, especially after losing Trey Hendrickson to division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, in free agency.
Reports have suggested the Lawrence trade came together quickly. So was there someone else the Bengals had in mind for a trade with their pick at 10? The answer is yes, according to Essentially Sports NFL insider Tony Pauline.
Cincinnati Bengals attempted to trade for Maxx Crosby
“Sources tell me that long before the Bengals surrendered the 10th pick of the draft to the Giants for Lawrence, the team discussed trading that selection to the Las Vegas Raiders for Maxx Crosby. But the Bengals were unwilling to match the pair of first-round picks the Ravens initially sent to Vegas for Crosby before a failed physical nixed the deal.”
Landing the five-time Pro Bowler would have been a massive addition and given Bengals fans boosted hope about a run at the AFC North title in 2026. Furthermore, beyond just being an elite pass rusher who is still only 28, he comes at a fair rate as he averages a $28 million cap hit through 2029.
After Crosby failed his physical, pundits claimed it would be hard for Las Vegas to get two first-rounders in another deal this offseason. They were right.
