The Cincinnati Bengals managed to get to 6-2 after they beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-17 in Madrid for the NFL's second-ever game in Spain. It was a commanding victory for Cincy, who are proving to be real contenders in the AFC this season.
With the trade deadline coming up on Tuesday, it was the last chance for the Bengals' front office to assess their roster and see what they have. Seeing as this is a contending team, it would feel like a missed opportunity to make no moves. So, who should the Bengals be looking to bring in before the deadline?
1. Zack Baun, LB - Philadelphia Eagles
Whilst Sunday was a solid game overall from the linebackers, with Barrett Carter coming up with a game-icing interception, there's still improvement needed. The Bengals' defense has struggled to stop the run this year, and against an elite rushing offense in Atlanta, this became evident again.
Bijan Robinson had 100 yards from 19 carries, which is an average of 5.3 rushing yards. In the playoffs against Kansas City or Buffalo, for example, that could be a game killer. If teams are able to run well on the defense, then it means keeping Joe Burrow off the field, which is exactly what opposing teams want to do.
Zack Baun from the Eagles has already been touted as a potential Bengals trade candidate, as Philly sit at 2-7, on a seven-game losing streak. Before the season, PFF ranked Baun as the fourth-best linebacker in the NFL, and he's still as good as ever. Baun is one of the best at reading opposing offenses, especially in the running game, something that it feels like the Bengals simply can't do.
It's a deal that could likely take multiple draft picks, especially if the Bengals don't want to trade their first in 2028, but it's the time for this front office to be aggressive; Baun would be a game-changer.
2. Jonathan Taylor, RB - Indianapolis Colts
I know it's the obvious choice, and I know it's unlikely, but it's true. This Bengals team with a running game would be unstoppable. This offense is already unstoppable, but it would help when trying to see out games, something that the Bengals have historically struggled with.
Chase Brown showed flashes against the Falcons, but still only rushed for 57 yards, and you could say that was his most impressive game of the season. Way too often, this running game gets stuffed for one yard or less, and if the Bengals want to go all in, what better way to do it than to go after one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Reports suggest the Colts will demand a first-round pick for Taylor. If the Bengals are feeling aggressive, there's no reason why this wouldn't be a positive move.
3. Budda Baker, S - Arizona Cardinals
Let's start by saying that Jessie Bates or Amani Hooker would've been preferable here. But Bates has gone to Jacksonville, and reports have made it clear that the Titans are not prepared to trade Hooker, so Baker it is.
Safety remains a big concern for this Bengals defense. Whilst Bryan Cook has been solid, Jordan Battle, PJ Jules and Kyle Dugger have all struggled, especially with the missed tackle problem, which seems to haunt this secondary every year.
Against the Falcons, the Bengals did a decent job in containing Michael Penix through the air. He threw for just 162 yards and one touchdown. However, when targeting his best receivers, the defense still struggled to force many incompletions.
Drake London caught all five of his targets for 68 yards and Robinson caught six of seven for 47 yards. This season, the secondary haven't been able to force many incompletions, and could do with another piece at safety, who can match up to the tight end in coverage, but is also effective in run blitzing at the line of scrimmage. He'd elevate this defense for sure, and seeing as the Cardinals are 3-6, and Baker is 30, it's surely a trade they'd be willing to make.
Furthermore, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on X that Baker would 'welcome the chance to play for a contender'. This Bengals team have shown they're a contender in the AFC; it all makes sense.
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