2 best trades the Bengals must make before the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline

The Bengals started off slow, but they are starting to turn things around. Which trades should they make at the NFL trade deadline to secure a push for the postseason?

The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a unique position as the 2024 NFL trade deadline approaches. They started the season viewed by fans and analysts as Super Bowl contenders, regarded as one of the league’s top teams. However, a rough start saw them losing four out of their first five games, creating uncertainty about whether they should be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

On one hand, the Bengals have gained some momentum with three wins in their last four games, and their roster boasts the talent needed to make a Super Bowl run if they reach the playoffs. On the other hand, their record is still below .500, leading to the consideration that a retooling for next season might be wiser.

Before the season began, the Bengals were already dealing with trade rumors, particularly surrounding Tee Higgins, who expressed a desire to be traded in the offseason. Although he and the team appear to have resolved their differences, questions remain about the Bengals’ strategy as the trade deadline approaches. In this article, we will outline what we believe their course of action should be, including two crucial trades for the Bengals to consider before the Nov. 5 deadline at 4 p.m. ET.

Acquire Chase Young via trade.

The New Orleans Saints are on a seven-game losing streak, making them clear sellers as the trade deadline approaches. Chase Young stands out as a valuable trade asset, especially since the Bengals are in need of an additional pass rusher. Cincinnati has struggled to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, relying mostly on Trey Hendrickson, so acquiring Young as a complement would be a wise move.

Young is among the top trade targets in the league due to his past experience with mid-season trades. Last season, he was traded from the Washington Commanders to the San Francisco 49ers at the deadline, contributing significantly to their Super Bowl run.

The Bengals could use a boost, particularly on their defensive line. Young, who was the second overall pick not long ago, still has untapped potential. Furthermore, he could be available at a relatively low cost. Currently playing under a one-year contract, he could serve as a rental for Cincinnati. If he performs well, they could pursue a long-term deal; if not, they could simply let him enter free agency.

Trade for Mike Williams.

Before last season, we rated the Cincinnati Bengals as having one of the top receiving corps in the NFL, but their receiver situation now raises more questions than it did at that time. The team experienced a setback in the passing game when Tyler Boyd signed a free agent deal with the Tennessee Titans. Once Cincinnati’s primary option, Boyd transitioned into a third receiver role alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, creating one of football’s best receiving trios in recent years.

While his departure isn’t as significant as losing Chase or Higgins would have been, it still represents a considerable loss for the Bengals, particularly given that both of those receivers have faced injury issues this season. Furthermore, the futures of Chase and Higgins with the Bengals remain uncertain.

Chase has been seeking a new contract after holding out before the season began, while Higgins, who previously requested a trade from Cincinnati, is currently playing under the franchise tag. Even though they’ve reconciled, there’s still a realistic chance the Bengals could trade Higgins, as he might leave for nothing in free agency.

Although Chase and Higgins are among the top pass-catchers in the NFL, the receiver position might not appear to be the Bengals’ most pressing need. However, with Higgins still dealing with an injury and the team needing wins after starting the season with four losses in five games, they must seek immediate help if they want to make a playoff push.

Williams, despite having his own injury concerns, is an elite possession receiver at his best, capable of winning contested catches. With the New York Jets recently trading for Davante Adams, Williams has become expendable there, and he would give the Bengals some much-needed short-term and long-term options. If Chase or Higgins’ situations don’t pan out, Williams could take on a larger role alongside Joe Burrow.