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8 NFL trade deadline targets for the Cincinnati Bengals

8 NFL trade deadline targets for the Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals kept their season alive with a 41-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. There's certainly still a lot of work to be done to secure a playoff spot, but they've held on.

That doesn't mean this team is in a good position.

While rookie defensive tackle Kris Jenkins registered his first NFL sack on Sunday, the only other consistent pressure on the quarterback came from Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson's four sacks were impressive, but they just don't add up as No. 91 is the only one applying consistent pressure.

Rumors swirled over the weekend that the Bengals were in talks 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 the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks and he plays an important position for the Bengals. Ojulari actually had arguably his best game of the season against the Bengals. Plus, he's in the final year of his contract, so the Bengals could retain his services for this 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 rushing. With the Dolphins having fallen to 2-6, they could be sellers at the deadline and focus on the future. The Bengals could probably get Campbell without giving up too much draft capital and without a long-term commitment.

Emmanuel Ogbah, defensive end, Miami Dolphins

Ogbah is a younger player, and the Dolphins could also look to move on before Tuesday's deadline. He only recorded two sacks on the season, but a change of scenery could do him some good. Ogbah's contract expires after this season. So if it doesn't work out, the Bengals could cancel the matches.

Jadeveon Clowney, defensive end, Carolina Panthers

Clowney is another player on a team that is probably already looking forward to the offseason. He has just one sack this season but has shown he could be an impact player with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. However, his peak earnings of $14 million in 2025 could deter the Bengals.

Khalil Herbert, running back, Chicago Bears

Herbert is not used in Chicago. With Zack Moss potentially out for several 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 main player, Herbert would at least have a chance to make an impact in Moss' absence.

Travis Etienne, Jr., running back, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville is another 2-6 team that could be looking for picks, and Etienne could bring a dynamic pass-catcher to the Bengals' offense. He's lost snaps to Tank Bigsby, who appears to be the Jags' star, 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 was one of the few Saints players mentioned in trade talks before the deadline. After losing Dax Hill for the season while DJ Turner II and Cam Taylor-Britt are having a season full of ups and downs, the Bengals could look to add a veteran defensive back. Some see his $31 million-plus cap hit for 2025 and would shy away from it, but there is a break 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 expires at the end of this season. If he's not in the Patriots' plans beyond 2024, he could play a role in the Bengals' fight for a playoff spot. If he came to Cincinnati and performed well, he could make the decision on Dax Hill's fifth-year option easier.

The Bengals have only signed a player in a season twice in 52 years. Are the rumors true or do they still like “the boys they have”?

We'll know on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

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