A tweet by Rebecca Toback has sparked fan speculation that fan favorite running back Giovani Bernard could potentially be involved in trade discussions by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Gio Bernard's agent was in Cincinnati on Wednesday. He's set to be a free agent in 2020; there may be negotiations going on there.
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) August 1, 2019
Now, the most likely reason for the appearance of Bernard’s agent in Cincinnati is to have a discussion surrounding his client’s contract. The former North Carolina Tar Heel is set for free agency after the upcoming season. All indications suggest that the Bengals are happy with their veteran scat back. First year offensive coordinator Brian Callahan even went as far as to say “ I am excited about Gio… Gio brings a lot to the table for us, and his value is very high.” during an offseason interview with Bengals team writer Geoff Hobson.
However, the Bengals did draft two running backs in Trayveon Williams and Rodney Anderson. Anderson is still recovering from injury, but reports are that Williams has looked impressive during training camp.
All-SEC RB Trayveon Williams getting his first touches at Bengals minicamp. He rushed for 1,760 yards and 18 TDs last year at Texas A&M. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/OE2vSPriqV
— Brandon Saho (@BrandonSaho) May 10, 2019
RB Trayveon Williams just turned a screen pass into a big gain. He's had a couple of really good reps today.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) July 31, 2019
Williams has strong Texas A&M ties to new Bengals offensive line coach Jim Turner. Thus, it has been speculated that Williams was brought in to eventually replace Bernard. That speculation added to recent reports displayed below that the Washington Redskins are in trade negotiations to move on from their left tackle Trent Williams has Bengals fans beginning to wonder if Bernard is the type of quality bargaining chip that could get the Bengals into serious trade discussions for Williams who is a seven time Pro Bowler.
The #Redskins have reportedly had discussions about trading Trent Williams. Here are answers to some of the biggest questions surrounding a potential trade. https://t.co/vww0CqmvKE
— Riggo's Rag (@RiggosRag) August 1, 2019
At this point Bernard trade rumors appear to be mostly fueled by the desire of fans to acquire more talent for the offensive line. In a recent Q&A hosted by The Athletic, Reporter Paul Dehner Jr. replied to a question about the Bengals potentially acquiring Trent Williams by saying, “It’s a popular question and an intriguing one I dropped into TWIB (This Week in Bengals) a few weeks ago. I would be trying to, but I have not heard an answer organizationally whether they are interested in parting with what it would take to make it happen.”
It is purely fan speculation at this point that “what it would take to make it happen” would include Bernard. Still, the rumors have sparked the debate, so now we must ask. Are Bengals fans ready to give up a fan favorite player like Bernard. if it means upgrading a position of need?