The Cincinnati Bengals are in a good position to start the season. Their 4-2 record showcases the optimism that fans should have in this team moving forward. As expected, their offseason moves has done wonders to bolster their weaknesses. Now, they're just waiting for their slow-starting offense to rev up to full speed again for more than one absolutely electrifying half in Week 7's win over the Ravens.
That being said, the Bengals know all too well that being complacent is a surefire recipe for disaster in the NFL. Cincinnati's front office needs to always be on the hunt on ways to potentially improve their roster.
After Jalen Hurts' SVT diagnosis has ruled him out for the season, the Philadelphia Eagles are one team that could potentially sell their players at the deadline, especially after a 38-21 loss to the Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Which players from the Eagles should the Bengals target?
Zack Baun
Look, the Bengals' sophomore linebackers are playing pretty well this season. After being rightfully criticized last season due to their poor play, both Demetrius Knight Jr and Barrett Carter have played much, much better this season. However, they're still notably one of the weaker links on the team this year. To make it worse, the other linebacker in their rotation, Oren Burks, isn't doing too well.
Trading for Baun will help bolster their Bengals' defense and allow Knight and Carter to thrive even better. Having three good linebackers will allow Cincinnati's defense to run their base defense better, especially considering their lack of depth at the nickel cornerback position. Baun's veteran leadership and championship pedigree will be greatly helpful.
Saquon Barkley
This is the big name that the Bengals are likely targeting this offseason. Cincinnati's running back room has been a major sticking point this season. Chase Brown's explosiveness has seemingly vanished, and Samaje Perine is still best utilized as a pass-blocking back. It's no surprise that the Bengals are involved in the Jonathan Taylor sweepstakes.
Barkley might be a riskier pick, given his current injuries and his age. However, for a rental of just a few years, he has the most upside out of any running backs available in the market. Playing with a high-flying offense like the Bengals might get the struggling running back out of his own head.
Riq Woolen
The Bengals' secondary still needs a lot of work, and a longtime Stripe Hype favorite in Riq Woolen could be a solution.
DJ Turner is an elite cornerback, and Bryan Cook has stabilized the safety position for the most part. However, the second cornerback position is still a major question mark for Cincinnati. Dax Hill has been good in spots, but he's been forced back to the slot while Jalen Davis is on IR.
In the bigger picture, Davis is on an expiring contract and Dax's positional ambiguity is a constant sore spot. Riq Woolen represents a solve for all that.
Woolen was just acquired by the Eagles, but he's already been floated as a trade candidate this season and is only on a one-year deal. Getting Woolen will allow Hill to move to the nickel position for good and add another good man-to-man corner opposite of Turner.
Add us as a preferred source on Google