Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Trade Scenarios That Could Work

The Cincinnati Bengals have been in a couple of trade rumors which have included some valuable assets to the team.

If the Bengals want to make some splashes while they can, trades are an option. Parting with an established player or even trading a pick could all be ideal situations for Cincinnati.

Trades don’t really occur in the NFL as much as they do in other sports. But, they do pop up during draft season. The Bengals’ last big trade was with the Raiders. They traded Carson Palmer for a first round pick. The Bengals have made some surprising moves throughout the years and could surprise a few more fans by making a couple more trades.

Trade Scenario 1: Jets

Cincinnati would be getting a decent addition to the defensive line. Sheldon Richardson has tons of concerns off the field but is a special talent when on the field. If you put him with Geno Atkins in the middle, you’ve got a scary force teamed with Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson.

Although they’ve signed Josh McCown, he’s not a long-term option for them if they plan to establish a winning environment. McCarron will be that young up and coming quarterback they would want. AJ McCarron showed that he has the ability to win games and be a decent game manager. He would’ve gotten the Bengals their first playoff win in 20+ years if it wasn’t for the other activities (let’s not get into that right now).

Let’s talk about why the Bengals should do this trade. Not only do they get a young talent but someone who has the potential to grow. One reason Richardson wouldn’t be enough is his off-field concerns. He had a police chase by going 143 MPH and also resisted arrest in 2015. They also get what they love: more picks in this trade. Another could be his production, he only had 1.5 sacks in 2016. Although, that could’ve been due to other players getting more snaps. (e.g., Leonard Williams).

Trade Scenario 2: Eagles

This would be a trade that I would love to happen. Jeremy Hill has been slacking the past couple of seasons and has not been the back he was drafted to be. The trade makes sense for both teams. The Eagles need a running back and the Bengals need a reliable center.

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I could see the Bengals pouncing on this due to Jason Kelce, 29, a veteran presence on the o-line. Hill has struggled since his rookie season. There is also tons of great talent at the running back position, in the 2017 draft. The Bengals can get Leonard Fournette or Dalvin Cook in the first or even pick up Joe Mixon in the 2nd or 3rd round to replace Hill.

This trade makes sense for the Eagles as they get a running back with potential and also get rid of cap space in Kelce. Jason has been available for the past couple of months and to get rid of him would be ideal. Hill would become their starting RB while they draft a replacement center in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Trade Scenario 3: Browns 

The Bengals would be quite reluctant to trade with the Cleveland Browns. But, they are willing to talk for the right price, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com.

"It’s believed trading a backup quarterback within the AFC North to a coach they greatly regard is rather distasteful to Bengals president Mike Brown. But given Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin’s pronouncement earlier this month that the Bengals will listen to anyone, Brown also appears to have a price.What that is, who knows? There is one trade the Bengals would no doubt pull off with the Browns (and that’s big since they’ve never drafted with their Battle of Ohio rival) and that’s swapping their ninth pick in the first round for the Browns’ 12th. This is the draft where everyone but No. 1 wants to move back from five on down."

Cincinnati is willing to trade with the Browns if it’s for the right price. Of course, it’s not the ideal thing to do for the Bengals but they are willing to make moves to get better.

Why It Works

This trade is perfect for Cleveland because they don’t necessarily have to get rid of their first round pick to get a QB. They get to acquire the signal caller that Hue Jackson already knows and move from that. They also don’t have too much commitment to this, as they aren’t losing a first round pick in any instance. Although, they may hesitate due to it including two 2nd round picks and one 4th round pick. It’s a bit pricey but you will have to pay more to get the player you want in the same division.

Next: Getting Ready To Rip Up The North?

Cincinnati may not want to trade with a team within the AFC North but may with this deal. They get two second round picks and a 4th round pick which could definitely help the team get back to the playoffs in a jiffy. McCarron was certainly a valuable part of the team but the Bengals can’t turn down an offer like this.