Dexter Lawrence made a career-high nine sacks in 2024. In 2025, the then-Giants defensive tackle had career lows in sacks (0.5) and quarterback hits (eight).
His three-year streak of Pro Bowl appearances ended.
Lawrence heads into 2026 on a new team and with a chip on his shoulder.
“I’m more managing it now, because you can’t really beat up on other teams. So during the season you just let it go and you flow,” Lawrence said a week ago, via Joe Reedy of the Associated Press. “I know how I approach this game and my impact to the game, even when it doesn’t show up on the sack numbers.”
Lawrence faced the fifth-highest double-team rate among defensive tackles last season at 70.35 percent, per Pro Football Focus. The Bengals acquired Lawrence, along with adding defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and edge rushers Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell to their defensive line.
That could help Lawrence avoid as many double teams.
“We know the caliber of player he is,” Mafe said. “Having him on our side, it makes it so much easier. It makes everyone’s job around us easier. He’s a calming presence because we have him on our side.”
Lawrence got some work in with his new team during the offseason program and vows to be ready for training camp late next month.
“I’m going to be like a boxer before they’re going into a fight. You’ve got to put your head down and train,” Lawrence said.
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