The Cincinnati Bengals have been floated in a couple of trade rumors ahead of November 10th’s trade deadline. A team that is 5-2 with Super Bowl aspirations could be aggressive ahead of the deadline if they think there is a player or players who could put them over the top.
Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Bengals are one of a few teams “aggressively pursuing” Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, although no deal to any team seems imminent. The Cincinnati offense has been lighting it
up in the passing game, but the running game has left much to be desired so far in 2026.
With those rumors out there, former NFL great and current CBS broadcaster J.J. Watt is urging the Bengals to make the move.
“I really do believe the Cincinnati Bengals make sense for a guy like him because of what their offense has in terms of the passing game and they just haven’t been able to get going on the ground,” Watt said during an appearance on CBS’ “Set Hut” show.
As the Colts have started a fire sale following the firing of General Manager Chris Ballard, Taylor is widely expected to be moved before the deadline, but the Colts appear firm on getting top-tier value for him. Aside from the Dexter Lawrence II trade this offseason, the Bengals aren’t known for trading away draft capital. With the clear urgency in the locker room, though, the Bengals could surprise us once again.
Former Bengal Cris Collinsworth also believes the Bengals should make the aggressive move.
“Now with the defense and Dexter Lawrence comes in and Boye Mafe comes in, and the Bengals make moves that they’ve just never made, it’s right now, it’s this year, so go do it,” Collinsworth said on the PFF NFL Show.
Should the Bengals trade for the former All-Pro running back? Let us know in the comments!
