The Cincinnati Bengals are a young up-and-coming team that has yet to reach their true ceiling.
In a year where the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns are all appearing vulnerable, the AFC North could be there for the taking.
Even though many may not have anticipated this great of a start, the Bengals are 5-2 and in first place in their division. Next up? The 1-5 New York Jets.
As the Bengals head into Week 9 after they crush the Jets on Sunday, the Nov. 2 trade deadline looms ahead.
Will the Bengals make any moves to improve their playoff chances? With a few depth needs along the offensive line and at cornerback, there are some areas where the team could improve.
Here are three players Bengals general manager Duke Tobin should target before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
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Cincy patches up offensive line depth, trade for Austin Blythe
This may not be the sexy, attention-grabbing move that puts the Bengals over the top, but it could be a wise addition that pays off down the stretch.
The Bengals traded away Billy Price as they cut down to 53 players and Xavier Su’a-Filo, their Week 1 starter at right guard, is on the injured reserve with a knee injury. Needless to say, they’re a bit thin up front.
One relatively cheap way to help replace Billy Price and the injured Su’a-Filo, would be trading for Austin Blythe of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Signed to a veteran-minimum contract, Blythe has yet to play a snap this season as the Chiefs have opted to play their rookie Creed Humphrey instead.
The Chiefs likely signed Blythe to play the same role he’d be asked to fill on the Bengals, which is as a backup at center or guard for a playoff team. Though he may not play a snap in Cincy either, the peace of mind may be worth it.
Bengals bolster pass rush with trade for Ryan Kerrigan
The Philadelphia Eagles signed Ryan Kerrigan this offseason with the idea of the four-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker helping reshape their defense.
Now at 2-5 on the season, with Kerrigan playing just 33% of the defensive snaps, it’s possible the veteran would seek an opportunity to reach the playoffs again.
Kerrigan, who has never made it past the Wild Card round, could accomplish those goals in Cincinnati this season, filling a rotational role, just as he is in Philly.
Since he’s 33 and on a one-year deal, acquiring Kerrigan shouldn’t cost more than a late-round draft pick. Though he hasn’t gotten a sack yet this year, Kerrigan has racked up 95.5 in his 11-year career and could be a great veteran addition to a young pass-rushing unit in need of another capable body.
Cincinnati Bengals land a playmaker in Xavien Howard
Allowing just 18.3 points per game, the Bengals already have a top-notch defense. As a unit, the Bengals have allowed the 17th-most passing yards per game. If we wanted to nitpick, we could target the cornerback group as an area of need. Chidobe Awuzie has been a superb starter on one side, Mike Hilton has generally been solid covering slot receivers, but Trae Waynes can’t stay healthy, playing just two games since 2019.
The Bengals have just five takeaways by air in 2021. Imagine adding a bonafide turnover machine in Xavien Howard from the Miami Dolphins? Howard has twice led the NFL in interceptions, coming in 2018 and 2020.
One reason why this idea could grow some legs is Cincinnati’s defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo once coached Howard when he was a member of the Dolphins’ staff as their defensive backs coach from 2016-17. Their familiarity could pay dividends if the 1-6 Dolphins become sellers.
