The Power Ranger pipeline from Clemson to the Queen City just turned into a four-lane highway. Tiger Nation is fired up—our own All-Pro wrecking ball, Dexter Lawrence, is officially a Cincinnati Bengal.
The Giants let a good one slip, and Cincinnati pounced. The Bengals sent the No. 10 pick to New York and wasted no time locking up Sexy Dexy with a one-year, $28 million extension—he’s now set through 2028 on a $70 million deal. For the anchor of our 2018 National Championship defense, seeing him cash in and join a legit Super Bowl contender just feels right. He’s earned every bit of it.
A Dominant Presence Reborn
Lawrence isn’t just there for a paycheck—he’s bringing that Clemson edge to a Bengals defense that needs a spark. Critics might say 2025 was a down year because of his elbow, but the tape tells the truth. Dex is still the most feared nose tackle in football.
“Once I heard Cincinnati was in that option, I got excited immediately,” Lawrence said of the move. “I think I bring an attitude of dominance. I mean, that’s just who I am. I’m a dominant presence. I’m going to be the guy to help this defense go to the next level. … It’s a lot of excitement and a lot of juice just to be a part of this team and this organization.”
The Bengals saw what the Giants didn’t: three Pro Bowls, two All-Pro nods, and a motor that never quits. Lawrence knows it, and he’s ready to prove them right.
“They wanted me here, and they appreciated the work that I’ve put in over the last seven seasons, and I appreciate that to them and I’m gonna do everything I can to show them that they didn’t waste it,” Lawrence said. “I’m excited. I got a fire in me that I ain’t never had this fire before. So, I’m excited, and I’m excited to be a Bengal.”
The Tiger Reunion
Here’s what gets every Clemson fan grinning: the Bengals locker room is turning into a 2018 Tiger reunion. Dex joins Myles Murphy, Barrett Carter, and, most importantly, his brother-in-arms Tee Higgins.
Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Higgins already light up the scoreboard, but now with Lawrence anchoring the defense, the Bengals just became the team to beat in the AFC.
“I’m ecstatic,” Lawrence told the Bengals’ official website. “To be on this team with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, to be back with Tee again, Chase Brown …”
Unfinished Business
Lawrence and Higgins climbed the mountain together in 2018, taking down Bama for the natty. Now, they’re chasing a new trophy. The mission is simple, and their Tiger bond is as strong as ever.
“I told Tee, ‘We’ve got some unfinished business,’” Lawrence said. “That’s obviously our goal. Winning the Super Bowl.”
We’ve always known in the Upstate—Dexter Lawrence is a winner. Now, with that fire burning and his Tiger brothers around him, the whole NFL better watch out.
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