It’s no secret the Cincinnati Bengals are in a tough spot. They are 3-4 this season, and while the offense seems to be coming alive, the defense could use some help. They have been in every single game this year so far, losing four games by a combined 15 points. If the ball bounced a different way in any of those games, or the defense played better, they could easily be 7-0. An overtime loss to Baltimore where they missed a game-winning field goal, a game where the Chiefs beat them on a questionable Defensive Pass Interference, a home loss to the Commanders and shining rookie Jayden Daniels, and a puzzling loss to a 1-6 Patriots team has the Cincinnati Bengals sitting at 3-4. This isn’t a time to panic, nor a team to panic about though.
Joe Burrow has been playing at an MVP level after suffering a season-ending injury in 2023. So far he has 1,759 passing yards, 14 TDs and 2 INTs. He has not been the problem with this Bengals team. It seems the offense is clicking on all cyclinders. Where the Bengals need the most help is on the defensive side of the football. In almost every single important category, they rank in the bottom third of the league. Today, we’ll be taking a look at how the Bengals can bolster their defense and get back on track, because they’re still in this thing.
Trades to Bolster the Bengals Defense
Trade #1
Cincinnati Bengals trade 2025 3rd & 2025 7th to Arizona Cardinals for S Budda Baker & 2025 4th
The first trade that comes to mind for safety help. The Bengals secondary is gives up 217 yards/game, which is 21st in the league. The Arizona Cardinals are also 3-4, but may be more willing to part with Budda Baker because he is on an expiring contract. Baker is one of the better safeties in the league, and would provide a very solid upgrade to the Bengals secondary. The compensation for picks here is essentially a swap for 3rd/4th rounders. So the Cardinals would presumably add another third round pick while Cincinnati moved down and acquired a 4th. For a safety like Baker, the Bengals would throw in a sweetener, and give up their 7th round pick as well. This trade approves in all models, and could be a solid trade for Cincinnati to beef up their weaker secondary.
Trade #2
Cincinnati Bengals trade 2025 5th & 7th to Denver Broncos for DT D.J. Jones & 2 2025 6th’s
This trade would help bolster the Bengals defensive front. All season long the Bengals have struggled to stop the run, and adding another big body in the middle of the line wouldn’t hurt one bit. D.J. Jones has earned a 65.3 PFF grade this season along the D-Line, and would give the Bengals a much needed boost to their current rotation of defensive linemen. Acquiring Jones shouldn’t cost too much in the way of draft capital either, and the Bengals should be willing to spend it while their Super Bowl window is still wide open. Adding Jones to a mix of BJ Hill, and Jonathan Rankins will give the Cincinnati Bengals the necessary depth to keep everyone along the line energized and healthy.
Trade #3
Cincinnati Bengals trade 2025 4th & 6th to Carolina Panthers for CB Jaycee Horn & 2025 6th
This final trade also would help the Bengals secondary woes. Jaycee Horn has only played in 22 of a possible 51 games in his short career . When he’s on the field, he’s a lockdown corner. Adding him to a Bengals secondary would be a welcome sight, as QBs are only completing 48.5% of passes thrown his way this season. The Panthers are a 1-6 dumpster fire and it’s worth giving them a call.
The Bengals could even pick up his 5th year option if he remains healthy. The pick compensation for him has to account for his inability to stay on the field. I have the Bengals giving up a 4th round pick for him, and swapping their 6th rounder with Carolina. Horn is long and lanky at 6’1 and could be exactly what the Bengals secondary needs. Especially since they have a few corners that are really banged up.
Final Word
The Cincinnati Bengals have a choice to make. If they beat the Philadelphia Eagles, they will be sitting at 4-4. They would still be in the Division and Wild Card hunt if they win. Now would be the time to make a move to improve this roster and make the playoffs for the third time in four years. Do you want to see the Bengals make a move to stay in the hunt? Or should they wrap it up and stockpile draft picks?
