Building the trenches

[SunsetBengal]

(6 hours ago)BoomerFan Wrote: OK so what if we lean into that and spend even more on our lines?

Notion I am kicking around: Our draft picks are highly valuable at this moment. Our 2025 3rd round pick is essentially a late 2nd rounder if the season ended today. So can we leverage that to trade for 1-2 players who might energize the interior or exterior of our defensive line? I realize we only have $8-$9 million in cap left but maybe you could find a player on their first contract? With so many teams ranked ahead of us as far as run stopping goes there has to be some who would part with some depth for a mid to late rounder. A true nose tackle, defensive end who can get pressure, or even a DT (given how injured we are at the position) would help.

Look I know it isn't the Bengals style but I would hope they are at least looking around and proposing some deals with value/upside for us. There are probably some 1-2 teams (Patriots, Broncos, Bears, Colts, Falcons, Cardinals) who wouldn't say no to a 5 rounder for some redundant guy on their roster. Even a team with a better record might still do a deal like that if they thought it would help them build on this year for the future.

Two points on that notion. First off I can't really see the Bengals sacrificing any draft picks, it's just not their style. Secondly, the Bengals don't need any more redundant guys on the team, they need a difference maker. Difference makers are typically significantly more expensive than a 5th round pick, and then you have to pay him. I'm not trying to rain all over your idea, but it just seems so highly unlikely for the Bengals to make any sort of impactful, midseason trade deal.