The Cincinnati Bengals’ redone defensive line has created a bunch of depth entering the 2026 season, and a veteran is already being mentioned as a possible trade chip.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox ranked defensive tackle T.J. Slaton as the No. 4 player on his NFL trade block big board heading into Week 1.
"As part of Cincinnati's defensive overhaul, it added interior linemen Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen. Their additions could potentially lead the Bengals to make fellow defensive tackle T.J. Slaton available for the right price," Knox wrote.
Knox projected Slaton’s value at a 2027 fifth-round pick and/or a veteran player, while listing the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts as potential suitors.
Slaton, meanwhile, is going into the
final year of his contract and carries a $9.2 million cap hit in 2026, according to the report.
The 28-year-old brings proven production to Cincinnati. Slaton started all 17 games during his first season with the Bengals in 2025 after arriving in free agency, finishing with 52 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks.
Knox noted that Slaton still has value as part of Cincinnati’s rotation, but suggested that could change if younger defensive tackles Jenkins and Robinson earn substantial roles.
As this Bengals team is expected to contend, a player-for-player deal that addresses a key area of the roster may carry more appeal than adding a future draft pick.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals DT T.J. Slaton named NFL trade candidate entering Week 1
