Bengals News: Auden Tate could reportedly request a trade, rightfully so

Talented wideout Auden Tate could reportedly request a trade from the Bengals after experiencing a limited role in the offense to begin the season.

According to CBS Sports, wide receiver Auden Tate could request a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals. The outlet spoke to the talented wide out’s agent, Deiric Jackson, who was rightfully angry that his client was a healthy scratch on Thursday Night Football.

Zac Taylor and the coaching staff opted to carry six receivers on the active roster against the Cleveland Browns. Somehow, Tate missed the cut, getting skipped over by Alex Erickson, Mike Thomas, and John Ross.

On one hand, it’s an understandable move. Erickson is the team’s primary punt returner, Thomas has been reliable in the passing game while simultaneously providing special teams upside, and John Ross is the fastest man in the NFL.

On the other hand, Tate has been a great weapon since joining the team in 2018. He put together a training camp that seemed to indicate he was only going to get better moving forward with Joe Burrow throwing to him.

Auden Tate has a right to be upset with the Bengals

At this point, Tate has done everything he’s needed to be apart of the active roster on game days. Sure, he’s not a special team ace but he’s willing and he’s certainly been more productive than some of his teammates, namely Ross.

"“I don’t care if it’s a first-rounder, whatever, you play your best guys. I know the type of chemistry that him and Joe Burrow (have) been having…If you’re not going to use him, why not let him go seek opportunities elsewhere?” -Auden Tate’s agent Deiric Johnson (via CBS Sports)"

There are a number of teams who could use Tate’s skill set and many of them may come knocking after Thursday night’s developments and the sentiment expressed by his agent.

Should the Bengals trade Auden Tate?

If Cincinnati plans on sitting Tate in the future, or opts to only give him limited snaps, (as they did in week one) they should be open to hearing what other teams are willing to offer. There are plenty of positions that could use an influx of talent if they decide to go the player swap route. If a team offers a pick in return for Tate, draft capital could definitely speed up the rebuild process as well.

However, pulling the trigger at this point in time is risky. A.J. Green looked good in week one but week two was a different story. Plus, he’s a free agent again next offseason.

Joining Green on the open market next year is Ross, who will likely be allowed to walk. The receiver room seems crowded but next year, things are slated to suddenly open up. In 2021, moving on from Tate could seem like a silly move.

Before the Bengals handle Tate’s situation, however, they have a number of other issues to work out before they take the field next against the Philadelphia Eagles.