We’ve already established that the Cincinnati Bengals should be buyers at the upcoming NFL trade deadline.
Especially with teams like the Tennessee Titans looking like sellers.
Case in point, the Titans waving the white flag with the trade of safety Kevin Byard to Philadelphia. The Eagles shipped away two late-round picks and a replaceable player in exchange for an All-Pro, which says it all.
The rumor mill and general common sense say the 2-4 Titans aren’t done and Derrick Henry’s name has already come up.
And yes, Henry is one of our 11 targets the Bengals should pursue at the deadline.
But there’s a ton of value in ignoring Henry and asking about other players, too. Jeffery Simmons, owner of 23.5 sacks over 62 games, is one of the best defensive linemen in football. He’s of course costly on a four-year, $94 million extension, but it’s worth a mention (especially with DJ Reader slated for free agency next summer).
More realistic would be the underrated Denico Autry. He’s 33, but it’s hard to argue about his four sacks in six games. He’s got 7.5 or more in each of his prior three seasons and could kick inside to rush the passer next to Reader. Plus, he’d be a half-season rental.
If the Bengals don’t want to eat the cost in assets to get names that big, even cornerback depth like Kristian Fulton — a 2020 second-round pick out of LSU — could make some sense on the final year of his deal.
Common Bengals banter suggests the team should go after running backs and tight ends, which we also agree with. Hayden Hurst might be available. And getting Samaje Perine back would make a lot of sense.
But boosting the defense and taking some of the pressure off Trey Hendrickson’s constantly nagged back might make even more sense, especially with some of the guys the Titans might be willing to move.
The usual disclaimer applies — the Bengals don’t usually make moves at the trade deadline. But the Titans are the sort of team they should at least give a ring, just in case.
