A lot has gone wrong for the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 regular season, stemming from the loss of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow after he sustained a toe injury that will keep him out for the majority of the regular season.
Multiple changes to the defense, to go along with Jake Browning and Joe Flacco both getting starts for the Bengals over the past six weeks, have resulted in a 3-5 record.
Heading into their final matchup against the Chicago Bears before a much-needed bye week, the drama in Cincinnati continues to build. Recent reports have shown that the Bengals will naturally be sellers at the NFL trade deadline.
DT McKinnley Jackson requests trade, becoming third Bengals player to do so
According to ESPN insider Ben Baby, Bengals defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson requested a trade from the team. Making him the third player to ask to be moved before the Nov. 4 trade deadline, joining linebacker Logan Wilson and defensive tackle Mike Pennel.
Wilson is still waiting to be moved, while Pennel reached an agreement for his release. He was later picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jackson, 23, a third-round pick by the Bengals in 2024, has struggled to find consistent playing time early in his NFL career. He's been a healthy scratch in all but one game in 2025. As a rookie in 2024, he began the season on injured reserve before appearing in the final 13 games of the season, recording 15 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.
With nine games remaining in the regular season, something is going to need to change before thinking of any chance of a postseason bid.
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