Do the Cincinnati Bengals have one more trade in them this season? They've already made one of the biggest trades this season by acquiring ex-New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence during the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite that blockbuster move, though, Cincinnati isn't quite satisfied with where their team currently stands amongst the contenders in the AFC.
Because of that, the Bengals are involved in some trade rumors as the trade deadline approaches. There are plenty of trades that Cincinnati can make to bolster their roster. Let's look at the move that this team should make.
Bengals must trade for Eagles' Zack Baun at NFL trade deadline
The Bengals traded for Lawrence, yes, but it was clear that the defense still had a ton of weaknesses. In particular, their linebacker group was a major question mark coming into the season. Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. have both played better this season, but it's still painfully clear that both linebackers are outmatched against their opponents. Opposing offenses have feasted in the short and intermediate areas of the field due to the duo's struggles in coverage.
That's the reason why Bengals fans were clamoring for the team to sign or trade for a linebacker during the offseason. Popular choices at the time include Dolphins LB Jordyn Brooks and now-Washington Commanders LB Leo Chenal. However, another more intriguing option has emerged this season as a potential trade target: Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun.
One of the best linebackers in the league, Baun's availability is tied heavily to the Eagles' fate this season. With Jalen Hurts out for the year due to his deep vein thrombosis, Philadelphia has gone from contenders to potential sellers at the trade deadline. Tanner McKee has done nothing to inspire confidence in a playoff run, and they're now taking a look at prospect Joe Milton to lead them the rest of the day. Because of that and the long-term implications of Hurts' DVT diagnosis, many are wondering if Philadelphia might decide to enter a rebuild.
Baun is one of the players who will likely fetch good value at the trade deadline. The Eagles linebacker started his career as an edge rusher, but he has made the transition to a coverage linebacker with the Eagles. Baun is one of the best coverage linebackers in the league, able to cover both tight ends and slot receivers in space. He was part of the 2024 Eagles team that won the Super Bowl, so he also brings championship pedigree to a Bengals team that has high aspirations this season.
Cincinnati's linebackers are playing better than last year, but last year is an admittedly low standard that they have barely cleared this season. Knight Jr. has been great against the run this season, but he's one of the worst linebackers in coverage this year. Carter has been great for the most part too, but he's still prone to lapses in coverage and takes bad angles at times. Having Baun, a bona fide veteran, as one of their linebackers would be greatly helpful to this team moving forward.