The Cincinnati Bengals have a shot to address one of their biggest defensive worries before returning from their bye week.
And a former Pro Bowl cornerback might be available.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen has surfaced in trade discussions, with The Athletic reporting that executives around the league have floated the likelihood of Philadelphia moving him.
Though it doesn't confirm the Eagles are shopping Woolen, the Bengals have good reason to check.
Cincinnati has dealt with injuries at cornerback, including Jalen Davis and Ja'Sir Taylor landing on injured reserve. The absences have forced Dax Hill into the slot, leaving DJ Ivey and Tacario Davis competing opposite DJ Turner II.
Woolen would supplement defensive coordinator Al Golden's
secondary with an outside cornerback who can get his hands dirty.
The 27-year-old stands 6-foot-4, ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash heading into the NFL and earned Pro Bowl honors as a rookie. Woolen has also earned a 66.9 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus this season, ranking 31st among 104 qualifying cornerbacks through five games.
There's a financial argument, too.
Via Over the Cap, Woolen signed a one-year, $12 million agreement with Philadelphia, including a $6 million signing bonus. His contract structure complicates the precise cap impact of a trade, but the Bengals wouldn't be committing to another long-term contract.
Cincinnati has shown a willingness to make aggressive moves, most notably acquiring Dexter Lawrence, so is Woolen in the books as a possibility?
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals should consider trade for Pro Bowl cornerback during bye week
