While looking at Cincinnati Bengals NFL trade deadline rumors, buzz and speculation, Jessie Bates was often a name suggested as an option.
Bad news on that front: The Atlanta Falcons just traded Jessie Bates to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Bates was a fun idea because it would’ve been a homecoming for the former Bengals draft pick. And with safeties Jordan Battle, Kyle Dugger and Bryan Cook all battling injury woes this year, it would’ve created serious depth relief, never mind an upgrade in play.
The Bengals won’t find another Bates-level player at the NFL trade deadline this week. But there are still some notable upgrades worth calling about.
Bengals trade deadline options at safety
Budda Baker, Cardinals
The Bengals liked Budda Baker back in 2017 before he became a second-round pick elsewhere. He’s 30 years
old now and has a $20.8 million cap hit in 2027. The Cardinals are sellers and Baker would surely like to compete for a title. He’s still a rangy player Al Golden could deploy all over the defense while keeping the other safeties fresh.
Amani Hooker, Titans
A solid former fourth-rounder from 2019, Amani Hooker has two years left on his current deal. He’s quietly sitting as the sixth-graded safety out of 100 at PFF. His strong all-around game would shove him into a starter role and dramatically boost the back-end options for the coaches.
Andre Cisco, Jets
On the cheaper-cost front, Andre Cisco has an expiring contract and is playing just 35 percent of the snaps with the Jets. He’d be a solid depth gamble to help an area with three guys battling injuries so far this year.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ NFL trade deadline options after missing Jessie Bates
