Dexter Lawrence II

Career StatsB+

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		109	30.5	341	33
2025		17	0.5	31	7
2024		12	9.0	44	4
2023		16

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Dexter Lawrence II's Contract Value Index lands at C, putting the deal in a defined slice of comparable signings. A 7-year veteran entering his age-28 season on a one-year, $28M AAV extension, Lawrence carries a B+ performance grade but a C+ sentiment reading that reflects genuine tension between his pedigree and recent output—the 2025 season produced 31 tackles and 0.5 sacks across 17 games, a below-expectations showing for a 2019 first-round pick at a premium interior defensive line position. At $28M annually, he's priced in the upper-middle tier of the defensive tackle market, a valuation that lands awkwardly when paired with production that underperformed relative to his salary and the trade capital Cincinnati surrendered (the No. 10 overall pick) to acquire him from New York. The one-year structure adds urgency and risk—Lawrence is a proven talent with NFL experience, but the short runway limits the Bengals' ability to absorb underperformance across a multi-year window. Media framing centers squarely on whether Cincinnati overpaid in trade capital and extension dollars to address a front-line weakness, a fair critique given Lawrence's 2025 season did not justify elite compensation. With the regular season 91 days away, the CVI grade reflects a prudent skepticism: he's a solid contributor on paper, but the cost of acquisition and recent statistical dip have created legitimate questions about value optimization.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Dexter's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Dexter Lawrence II enters his seventh season as one of the NFL's most physically imposing interior defenders, a former first-round pick who built a legitimate Pro Bowl résumé in New York. His overall grade lands at B+, reflecting a career that has consistently exceeded expectations at the nose tackle position. Among interior defensive linemen, Lawrence remains a formidable presence, even as his current campaign with Cincinnati shows some regression. The concern this season is real — his sack rate of 0.03 per game sits well below the NFL average of 0.14, a significant drop from his peak pass-rushing production. However, his TFL rate of 0.41 per game outpaces the league average of 0.27, confirming he still disrupts backfield action effectively. His QB hit rate of 0.47 per game also exceeds the NFL average of 0.29, suggesting his pocket push remains dangerous even when sacks don't materialize. Tackles per game sit exactly at the league average of 1.82 — serviceable but unremarkable for a player of his caliber. The trajectory demands attention — Lawrence graded B+ in both 2023 and 2024 before sliding to a C- this season, a meaningful dip that warrants monitoring. At 28, he isn't yet in decline territory, and elite interior linemen often recalibrate within a new scheme. If Lawrence rediscovers his pass-rushing consistency, a return to B+ production is well within reach — but the sack numbers must trend upward.

How Dexter Compares at the Position

Dexter Lawrence II ranks 15th of 216 graded defensive tackles by performance. That slots Dexter between Osa Odighizuwa (A-) just ahead and Arik Armstead (B+) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Bengals paid premium price for a proven defensive tackle in their prime window. Five headlines show significant media optimism about Lawrence's fit and durability at position. Lawrence remains above-average starter with consistent production; first-round pick is steep cost. Fans debate whether defensive line investment makes sense versus offensive line priorities. Cincinnati bets aging DTs hold value longer, potentially extending their Super Bowl window.