The Cincinnati Bengals are 6-2 at the NFL trade deadline, with the trade for Dexter Lawrfence last offseason playing a big role in that.
So what comes next on the trade block for the Bengals?
Duke Tobin and the Bengals have the assets necessary to make moves at the deadline. There are apparent issues in the running game and at every level of the defense in some fashion.
Given that, here’s a quick look at the latest Bengals buzz making the rounds ahead of the deadline.
Jonathan Taylor and RB pursuit?
The Bengals are extremely unlikely to be the team that trades for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. It’s a price that is far too high for what the running back position provides and a big contract to boot.
But the Bengals adding some sort of help at running back wouldn’t
be a shocker. Chase Brown finally had a good day during the win over Atlanta (nine carries for 57 yards on a 6.3 average), but Samaje Perine still took more carries (11). It’s still a question mark. The ground game will matter more in the winter months. There’s a chance they go after a big name like Tony Pollard or a lesser name to at least bolster the rotation.
The fun idea: A Jessie Bates reunion trade
The Bengals trading for Jessie Bates would make a lot of sense. They just got a look at him in Madrid. The Falcons might be sellers. The cost wouldn’t be that high and he’s on an expiring contract.
Unlikely? Probably. But Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle have been on and off the injury report and Kyle Dugger has been struggling with setbacks even more so. It’s rare to get a player who already knows the program and vice versa. It would also correct a major past mistake by the Bengals.
Bengals trade deadline needs
Debates about Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter aside, depth at linebacker looks iffy with Swayze Bozeman on injured reserve. Rookie Cashius Howell on injured reserve has the depth of the defensive end spot under the microscope. Injuries have peppered the back seven of the defense and both tight ends Erick All and Tanner Hudson are on injured reserve. Moves at any of those spots, no matter how small, wouldn’t be a shock.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals trade deadline rumors: Latest buzz and speculation
