Rumors say the Bengals are making calls. Here are eight players they should be targeting.
The Cincinnati Bengals kept their season alive with a 41-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. There is certainly plenty of work to do to earn a playoff spot, but they kept themselves in it.
That does not mean that this team is in a great position to make a run.
While rookie defensive tackle Kris Jenkins registered his first NFL sack Sunday, the only other consistent pressure on the quarterback came from Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson’s four sacks were impressive, but they simply can’t go forward, with No. 91 being the only one getting consistent pressure.
Over the weekend, rumors started swirling that the Bengals were making calls around the league in hopes of trading for a pass rusher, cornerback, or even a running back.
Here are some names the Bengals should consider.
Azeez Ojulari, defensive end, New York Giants
Ojulari’s name has been in trade rumors over the last few weeks, and he plays a position of need for the Bengals. Ojulari actually had arguably his best game of the season when he faced the Bengals. He is also in the final year of his contract, so the Bengals could gain his services for the season without any real financial concerns.
Calais Campbell, defensive tackle, Miami Dolphins
Campbell is a bit older, having been in the league since 2008, but he could help the Bengals with interior pass rush. With the Dolphins falling to 2-6, they could be sellers at the deadline and focus on the future. The Bengals could likely get Campbell without giving up too much draft capital and no long-term commitment.
Emmanuel Ogbah, defensive end, Miami Dolphins
Ogbah is a younger piece, and the Dolphins could also look to move ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. He has only registered two sacks during the season, but a change of scenery could do him well. Ogbah’s contract expires after this season, so if it didn’t work out, the Bengals could cut ties.
Jadeveon Clowney, defensive end, Carolina Panthers
Clowney is another player on a team who is likely already looking forward to the offseason. He has only one sack on the season, but showed he could be an impact player in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens. His $14 million cap hit in 2025 could scare the Bengals off, though.
Khalil Herbert, running back, Chicago Bears
Herbert is not being used in Chicago. With Zack Moss possibly missing multiple weeks with a neck injury, the Bengals could be in the market for a running back. With Chase Brown looking more and more like the feature back, Herbert would have a chance to make an impact, at least in Moss’ absence.
Travis Etienne, Jr., running back, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville is another 2-6 team that could be looking to stockpile picks, and Etienne could bring a dynamic pass catcher to the Bengals offense. He has lost snaps to Tank Bigsby, who looks to be the Jags’ bell-cow back, so the former first-rounder could be on the move and help the Bengals add more firepower to their inconsistent offense.
Marshon Lattimore, cornerback, New Orleans Saints
Lattimore has been one of a few Saints players mentioned in trade talks ahead of the deadline. After losing Dax Hill for the season while DJ Turner II and Cam Taylor-Britt are having up-and-down seasons, the Bengals could look to add a veteran defensive back. Some see his $31+ million cap hit for 2025 and would shy away, but there is an out in his contract after this season.
Jonathan Jones, cornerback, New England Patriots
The Patriots aren’t going anywhere this season, and Jones could be expendable. After spending his entire eight-year career in New England, his contract is up at the end of this season. If he isn’t in the Patriots’ plans beyond 2024, he could make an impact as the Bengals fight for a playoff spot. If he did come to Cincinnati and perform well, he could make the decision about Dax Hill’s fifth-year option easier.
The Bengals have acquired a player in a season just twice in 52 years. Are the rumors true, or do they still “like the guys [they] have?”
We will know by 4 PM ET on Tuesday.