REACTION: ESPN Doesn’t Like The Dexter Lawrence Deal + Cashius Howell’s Contract | Bengals Rumors
Bengals Breakdown host Billy Beebe discusses ESPN’s Bill Barnwell’s controversial article on the 2026 NFL offseason. Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/CHAT. Use my code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/CHAT10 - Sponsored by SeatGeek (*Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount). Barnwell named the Cincinnati Bengals’ best and worst deals. Barnwell designated the Dexter Lawrence trade as the Bengals' 'worst deal,' despite its historic significance and potential impact on the team. Conversely, he praised the Bryan Cook signing as the 'best deal,' highlighting Cook's defensive contributions and low missed tackle rate. The show also provides an update on Cashius Howell's unsigned contract status, comparing it to other second-round picks who have recently signed. Jump into the comments section and let us know: - What was your favorite Bengals offseason move? Hyped for Bengals football? SMASH that hype button! If you're watching on mobile, just swipe right of the comment section! Don't miss out on more Bengals Breakdown videos too: - GOOD & BAD Cincinnati Bengals News On Ja’Marr Chase, Joe Burrow, Dexter Lawrence & Tee Higgins - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1xE3jxx1pQ - ESPN’s Peter Schrager SOUNDS OFF On Bengals To Super Bowl + Joe Burrow’s Future | Bengals Rumors - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crrH6KMslhE - Cincinnati Bengals That Will LEVEL UP In 2026 Ft. Tee Higgins & Chase Brown | Bengals Rumors - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJhc3GdyJvQ ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently published an article evaluating the best and worst deals and picks from each NFL team’s offseason. This analysis marks a shift from Barnwell's previous positive coverage of the Bengals' defensive improvements. The article scrutinizes Cincinnati’s offseason moves, particularly the Dexter Lawrence trade, offering a more critical perspective on their financial implications and roster construction strategy. Barnwell’s assessment contrasts with the general optimism surrounding the Bengals' aggressive approach to bolstering their defense. Liked the video? Send this Cincinnati Bengals YouTube link to another Bengals fan friend! ESPN's Bill Barnwell on the Dexter Lawrence trade: - Barnwell stated the Bengals need cost-controlled talent, and giving up the No. 10 pick for Lawrence, while a win for fans, might not be enough for Super Bowl contention and could be disastrous if Lawrence isn't as known a quantity as he seems. - Lawrence's 2025 stats included 31 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 8 QB hits, and 0.5 sacks. - The trade involved the No. 10 overall pick and a 3-year, $70.00 MM contract for Lawrence, including a 1-year, $28.00 MM extension after the trade. Cincinnati Bengals 2025 NFL Draft Picks: - Round 1, Pick 17: Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M) - Round 2, Pick 49: Demetrius Knight Jr. (LB, South Carolina) - Round 3, Pick 81: Dylan Fairchild (OG, Georgia) - Round 4, Pick 119: Barrett Carter (LB, Clemson) - Round 5, Pick 153: Jalen Rivers (OT, Miami) - Round 6, Pick 193: Tahj Brooks (RB, Texas Tech) Bryan Cook's impact on the Bengals defense: - Cook's 2025 stats included 32 TGT, 21 REC, 85 TKL, and 6 PBU, building on his two Super Bowl championships with the Chiefs. - Barnwell highlighted Cook's low missed tackle rate (5 missed tackles) as a key factor in his 'best deal' designation, contrasting it with Geno Stone's 23 missed tackles. - Improving the defensive line and safeties with players like Cook will help struggling tacklers such as Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter by keeping them clean. 2025 Bengals Stats Leaders (Rushing): Chase Brown: 232 CAR, 1,019 YDS, 4.4 AVG, 6 TD Samaje Perine: 84 CAR, 382 YDS, 4.5 AVG, 3 TD Tahj Brooks: 16 CAR, 45 YDS, 2.8 AVG, 0 TD Only REAL ONES follow @chatsports on social media for the latest NFL, NBA & college football news & rumors: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chatsports Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatsports Cincinnati Bengals 2026 second round draft pick Cashius Howell remains unsigned. The good news is a deal could soon be reached with comparable draft picks R Mason Thomas and Christen Miller signing recently. Are you part of the Noti Gang at Bengals Breakdown? Only about 11% of you actually are! Change your notifications from "personalized" to "all" by clicking the bell icon! #bengalsrumors #dexterlawrence #billbarnwell #CSDB #CSPP2026 #ad #CSSG2026 #ad #CSCIN