The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into a pivotal Week 9 matchup against the Chicago Bears. A win could have Cincinnati in the playoff picture, while a loss would make the playoffs a far-off goal to reach.
Unfortunately for the Bengals, they'll likely have to face Caleb Williams and the Bears without Trey Hendrickson, as the pass rusher is doubtful. But what makes this week matter a lot more beyond their playoff hopes is the trade deadline plans for the Bengals.
If Cincinnati loses, some of the Bengals players might be more available than if they win. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Bengals have three players drawing interest from top contenders, with Hendrickson the headliner.
Trey Hendrickson headlines trio of Bengals drawing trade interest
"Many teams, including the Rams, 49ers, Lions, Colts, and Eagles," Russini reports, "Have called the Bengals on numerous players, including LB Logan Wilson, CB Cam Taylor-Britt, and, of course, DE Trey Hendrickson."
While these players are drawing interest from a litany of contenders, Russini reports that "some teams don't believe Cincinnati has any real interest in moving its core pieces."
Logan Wilson requested a trade earlier in the season, Taylor-Britt has been benched, and Hendrickson is on a one-year deal and will likely hit the open market after 2025.
A loss to the Bears could pave the way for the Bengals to more easily justify trades of all three players, especially Hendrickson. Wilson and Taylor-Britt are two names who could be moved even if the Bengals win, but even so, the Bengals might not move anyone.
More: Bengals LB Logan Wilson requests trade after benching
They traded for Joe Flacco to keep their playoff hopes alive. And while it's been a successful move thus far, the Bengals are still just 3-5, and could easily be 3-6 after a matchup against a stingy Bears team.
Cincinnati's struggling defense opens the door for any team to stay with them, as seen with their brutal loss to the New York Jets. The Jets offense had been one of the worst in the NFL, and yet, the Jets scored 39 points to secure their first win of the season.
Week 9 could dictate a lot of buyers and sellers, and no team might change more this week than the Bengals. For now, the Bengals aren't expected to move off these core pieces. But a loss to Chicago could pave the way for Hendrickson, Taylor-Britt, and Wilson to be dealt at the 2025 NFL trade deadline.
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