Bengals trade deadline targets if team is serious about saving season
The Cincinnati Bengals are a team that could use a good move or two before the NFL trade deadline next week.
Those Bengals, though, don’t project to do much of anything – as is tradition for the conservative franchise.
Still, if the Bengals weren’t one of the biggest outliers in the NFL when it comes to getting aggressive via trade, what might they do? What might Duke Tobin and the front office do to make sure that a 3-5 team doesn’t waste one of Joe Burrow’s prime years, if not an MVP-worthy season?
Here is a look at a few targets even the conservative Bengals might want to consider – and perhaps would, if they wanted to get aggressive and worry more about the right now.
DE Za’Darius Smith
Smith is 32, but has an out built into his contract after this season. He also has nine pressures and five sacks while playing a smaller role in a rotation – and rotational depth is what the Bengals need.
LB Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney also has an out built into his contract and what he can do in a rotation pretty much doesn’t need explained at this point. The Panthers are likely to be putting on a sale at the deadline, too.
DE Chase Young
Young hasn’t lived up to his draft billing…but it would be pretty hard to complain about getting him as a half-season rental to see if he can provide a boost. He might be weak against the run like Joseph Ossai, but it's better than quarterbacks having forever to pick apart a struggling secondary.
DT Calais Campbell
How about some inside help? Campbell might be nearing the age of 40, yet he’s playing 57 percent of the snaps in Miami and still plenty productive. Miami is 2-5 and might be willing to make a move.
Edge Azeez Ojulari
Yet another pass rusher, yes. Ojulari wrecked the Bengals earlier this season and also excels in a rotation. The former second-round pick has six sacks so far and is in the final year of his rookie deal.
Other things to consider
Normally, more offensive linemen might make a list of needs for the Bengals, especially on the interior. But they just aren’t available given the leaguewide shortage. A cornerback might be a smart investment, but whoever they bring on wouldn’t get any snaps. And while they have a big need at safety, there’s a shortage of quality, rangy guys leaguewide too – which makes the loss of Jessie Bates hurt even more than it already does.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals trade deadline targets if team is serious about saving season
