Though some might suggest the Cincinnati Bengals go out and trade for Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, it’s not the only blockbuster option potentially out there.
Others have rightfully pointed out that the Philadelphia Eagles might host a fire sale of their own soon. That could mean someone as high-profile as Saquon Barkley becomes available.
Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr is a prominent voice on this topic, recently chalking up Barkley joining the Bengals via trade as a deadline deal everyone should want to see.
“What if Barkley and Chase Brown could play together,” Orr wrote. “Barkley would give Joe Burrow a dangerous checkdown weapon and what he and Brown could do on the field at the same time is force heavier personnel onto the field,
which would shave off some extra help normally earmarked for Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.”
It’s certainly fun on paper. Barkley, the second pick in 2018, is still just 29 years old and scored 20 combined rushing touchdowns over his prior two seasons, including that 2,005-yard showing in 2024.
That said, there are issues. Barkley is electric, but he’s also been fighting injury woes this year. The trade cost would be high, too, before considering the fact he’s due $13 million in 2027 and another $17.4 million in 2028.
As we always point out, the Bengals are far more likely to trade for someone like Tony Pollard on an expiring contract.
Either way, Barkley would bring some big hype to the Bengals. And they’ve shown a willingness to do blockbusters lately. All this also points at the fact the running back spot just isn’t getting it done in Cincinnati right now, if nothing else.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals urged to make 'dream trade' for Saquon Barkley
