When it became clear that veteran defensive end Trey Hendrickson would not return to the Cincinnati Bengals, the front office moved quickly to address a major gap along the defensive line. Cincinnati entered the offseason needing to replace its top edge rusher and explored multiple avenues, including using the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft or targeting a proven veteran via trade.

The Bengals first acted in free agency, signing Boye Mafe to a three-year deal following his Super Bowl run with the Seattle Seahawks. While Mafe is a solid presence on the edge, Cincinnati continued evaluating both the draft class and the trade market.

That process eventually led to a deal with the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence, with Cincinnati giving up the 10th overall pick in return. However, that move came after an earlier pursuit of a different defensive target fell through. 

According to a new report from Essentially Sports’ Tony Pauline, the Bengals had explored a deal involving the No. 10 overall pick for Maxx Crosby, one of the league’s most productive edge rushers and a centerpiece of the Las Vegas Raiders defense.

But negotiations did not progress because of the Raiders’ asking price. Las Vegas had already set the market based on a prior agreement with the Baltimore Ravens, who offered two first-round picks in a deal.

The Bengals were willing to move their top pick but declined to include additional compensation.  That decision effectively ended its pursuit, even after the Ravens’ deal with Las Vegas was voided after Crosby failed his physical.  

Crosby’s profile explains why so many teams, including the Bengals, were highly interested in his services. The five-time Pro Bowl selection has produced 69.5 career sacks and 439 combined tackles, and consistently ranks among league leaders in pressures and quarterback hits. Throughout his six-year career, he has operated as a high-volume edge rusher capable of playing a full snap load and would have directly replaced Hendrickson’s role as the primary edge threat in Cincinnati’s front.

Instead, Cincinnati pivoted to Lawrence, who brings a different skill set to the defensive line. He arrives with 341 total tackles, 30.5 sacks and 103 quarterback hits across 109 career games, providing interior disruption rather than edge production. His presence allows the Bengals to generate pressure from the middle.

The move also complements the early defensive signings Cincinnati made in free agency, including Jonathan Allen, forming a heavier interior rotation alongside edge defenders like Mafe and Myles Murphy.

Cincinnati ranked 30th in total defense last season, a key factor that contributed to the team missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year. The front office has spent much of the offseason addressing those deficiencies across the defensive front.

On paper, the unit appears significantly improved. But time will tell if those changes will translate into consistent production when the 2026 season begins.