Before I get into the post I want to preface this by saying I fully understand that the NFL is not like the MLB or NBA even at the deadline trades aren't just flying around the league like they do in those other sports especially not for top talent. But that being said this post is just a list of guys that I think will be available for trade who I think the Bengals should have interest in not saying a deal needs to get done but they should make a call and see what the price is. And before people come at me yes I understand the Bengals don't tend to make in season trades it's not in their thing, but so far the front office has proven to not be moving the same way they have in the past. So let's just have some fun alright.
Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor and Deforest Buckner
JT is self explanatory he is easily still a top 5 RB in the game and adding him would be a clear RB1. Deforest Buckner would join into an already stacked DT room making it the best room in the NFL without a doubt. Lawrence, Allen, Buckner, Hill, Slaton, and Jenkins. Would probably be sending one of those guys in the deal more than likely.
Philadelphia Eagles: Saquon Barkley, Nolan Smith, Riq Woolen
Obviously Saquon will be on the wrong side of 30 soon and is currently injured but if you feel confident in him being healthy come playoff time it's a no brainer but his cap hit probably doesn't work. Nolan Smith is someone I personally loved in the draft and we passed up on drafting him. He has 3 sacks so far this year and has been solid vs the run and pass. He is more in that small fast edge rusher mold that Bengals don't like but seems to work for them when they take chances on them. Overall not picking up Murphy's 5th year option makes this deal potentially make sense. Riq Woolen is on a one year deal and has been solid so far this year in coverage and doesn't have any taunting penalties yet. He also hasn't been charged with a missed tackle. Someone if the Bengals aren't in on extending both Dax and DJ that could be a long term solution next to one of those guys.
New York Giants: Cam Skattebo
Skatt is someone that is cost controlled through 2028 and might in the dog house in NY. He is solid in pass protection and is a great down hill runner. He has had some fumbling issues so far this year but if you look throughout his career that's a non-story. Also is solid receiving the ball which is always a need in the offense
Los Angeles Chargers: Derwin James
Derwin James is probably my number 1 guy to make a call about. I'd be willing to give up a decent amount of capital to get this guy in stripes. He will bring the physicality to the backend of the defense that we desperately need. He's a quality tackler and with Bryan Cook next to him that becomes a very scary safety tandem of guys who lay the wood and can break up a deep ball.
Atlanta Falcons: Jessie Bates
Who wouldn't want Jessie back in stripes. With the Falcons being a team that might be in limbo for the foreseeable future Jessie needs to get on a team that gives him a chance to win now. To have the sure fire tackling of Bates and Cook on the backend hopefully it will stop the long runs that teams have been breaking on us around the outside.
There is plenty of other guys out there who could be trade candidates for this team but this is just some of the ones that I was thinking about. Let me know what you guys think and what you'd be willing to trade for some of these guys. Also if you have anybody that you'd like to see the Bengals pick the phone up for. Again this is just a list not me banging the table saying the Bengals need to do this so don't come at me with the "Bengals don't make these kind of deals" idiocy.