Buyers or Sellers? What The Bengals Should Do At The Trade Deadline

The trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a crossroads. With a record that puts them on the fringe of playoff contention, the question arises: should they be buyers or sellers as the deadline approaches? Let’s take a closer look at the options available to the Bengals as they navigate this crucial time in the NFL season.

Evaluate the Current Roster

Before making any decisions about whether to buy or sell at the trade deadline, the Bengals must first evaluate their current roster. Are there areas of strength that can be bolstered with a key acquisition, or are there positions of weakness that could benefit from trading away assets for future picks?

Factors to Consider

When deciding whether to be buyers or sellers, the Bengals must consider a few key factors:

Current Standings

One of the most important factors to consider is where the Bengals stand in the division and conference. If they are within striking distance of a playoff spot, it may make sense to be buyers and make a move to shore up a position of need. However, if the playoffs seem out of reach, selling off assets for future picks may be the better option.

Roster Needs

Identifying the team’s strengths and weaknesses will also play a key role in determining whether to be buyers or sellers. If there is a glaring hole in the roster that can be filled with a trade, making a move at the deadline could be beneficial. On the other hand, if the team is relatively solid across the board, holding onto assets and building for the future may be the smarter play.

Long-Term Plans

Finally, the Bengals must consider their long-term plans when deciding whether to buy or sell. Are they in win-now mode, or are they building for sustained success in the future? This will heavily influence whether they look to make a move to bolster the current roster or trade away assets for future assets.

Potential Trade Targets

If the Bengals decide to be buyers at the trade deadline, there are a few potential targets they could look to acquire:

Offensive Line Help

One area of need for the Bengals is along the offensive line. Adding a veteran presence to help protect Joe Burrow and open up running lanes could pay dividends down the stretch.

Defensive Playmakers

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bengals could use help in the secondary or at the linebacker position. Adding a playmaker to shore up the defense could be the difference-maker in close games.

Impact Wide Receiver

Another potential target for the Bengals could be a skilled wide receiver to provide another weapon for Burrow in the passing game. Adding depth at this position could give the offense an added boost.

Potential Trade Chips

On the other hand, if the Bengals decide to be sellers at the deadline, there are a few potential trade chips they could look to move:

Veteran Players

Players with expiring contracts or veterans who may not fit into the team’s long-term plans could be on the trading block. Moving these players for future assets could help the Bengals build for the future.

Excess Depth

If the Bengals have excess depth at a certain position, they could look to trade a player to address a need elsewhere on the roster. This could help balance out the team and improve overall performance.

Draft Picks

Finally, the Bengals could be willing to part with future draft picks in exchange for immediate help at a position of need. While this is a riskier move, it could pay off in the short term.

Conclusion

As the trade deadline approaches, the Bengals must carefully weigh their options and decide whether to be buyers or sellers. Evaluating their current roster, considering key factors, identifying potential trade targets, and assessing potential trade chips will all play a crucial role in determining the best course of action. Whether they decide to make a move to bolster their roster for a playoff run or trade away assets for future picks, the Bengals must make a decision that aligns with their long-term goals and sets them up for success in the years to come.