We are through 7 weeks of the NFL season, and 1 week away from the trade deadline, which is set for October 31. The Bengals currently sit at 3-3, last in an AFC North battle that is still very wide open. After a slow start, several improvements have been made. However, some areas that could still use some improvement might not have much more room for it. Though the Bengals don’t often make trades, especially mid-season, could they use it as an opportunity to upgrade a position or two for the rest of the season, and if so, who might be available?
TE, Mike Gesicki – Patriots
The Patriots are 2-5, but their big win over the Bills this past week may complicate any potential trade negotiations. Do they end up being sellers, or decide to ride it out? Well, a win or loss in week 8 may decide that. But nevertheless, should Gesicki be available, the Bengals should be interested. Free agent signing Irv Smith has not worked out up to this point, and there seems to be a pretty big void at the position, with the other TE’s on the active roster mostly filling a blocking or special teams role. Though Tanner Hudson has shown potential in the passing attack, he remains on the practice squad. Gesicki would give the Bengals a downfield threat at the position, and open up a lot over the middle for their offence. A late round pick could likely be sent to New England, though these days, pick swaps seem to be more popular. That is, something like Gesicki and a 6th to the Bengals in exchange for a 5th. Either way, it is something the Bengals should definitely be open to, should the opportunity arise.
TE, Hunter Henry – Patriots
A lot of what was said up above applies down here as well. Henry and Gesicki have been running mates at TE this year in New England. Their offence has featured the use of TE’s a lot, going back to the Rob Gronkowski years, and featuring two, like we have seen this year with Gesicki and Henry, is not unfamiliar. However, if the Patriots are looking to get younger and add draft picks, Henry could potentially be available. My feeling is that if they were to move one of their TE’s, Gesicki would be the preference, as Henry’s game is more complete, making him a better fit for what Bill Belichick likes to do. But if he is available, a trade should be something the Bengals consider.
DT, Denico Autry – Titans
I wasn’t totally convinced that the Titans would be sellers, but after trading Kevin Byard to the Eagles, it seems as though they are willing to at least listen to offers. Although BJ Hill has played quite well over the past couple of weeks, he can generally still be pretty quiet over stretches of play. Further, the Bengals have no reliable pass rushing depth at DT behind Hill, as Zach Carter hasn’t been able to take that next step forward. Autry would add a nice boost to the pass rush, and having a quality option to rotate with BJ Hill could see Hill also become more productive, as we saw in 2021 when Larry Ogunjobi was on the team. He does come with a high cap hit, and would cost the Bengals over $7M against the cap, which is a downside to this option. But perhaps some salary retention could be included in a deal.