Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor reacts as time winds down during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Cincinnati Bengals Trade for Defensive Help Ahead of 2026 Trade Deadline 1
The Cincinnati Bengals have been looking like a well-oiled machine as they sit at the top of the AFC North with a 6-2 record. They have been playing well, and a big reason for why they have been has been the defense being able to get stops. With the 2026 NFL Trade Deadline approaching in a few hours, the Cincinnati Bengals have made the decision to make a move. Let’s take a closer look at their move and what it means for the team going forward.
Cincinnati Bengals make a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles
Atlanta Falcons, arnold ebiketie, Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals Trade for Defensive Help Ahead of 2026 Trade Deadline 2
The Cincinnati Bengals have made their first trade of the season a handful of hours ahead of the trade deadline. ESPN’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that they have sent a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie. This is the first time that the Bengals have made a trade to acquire a player on the day of the trade deadline since 2024, when they traded for running back Khalil Herbert.
Ebiketie has been a reserve edge rusher for the Eagles, as he played in all nine games. He has recorded 25 total tackles (11 solo, 14 assists) and a pair of quarterback hits thus far. The Cincinnati Bengals have been a good defensive team as they are 14th in the league with 21.9 points per game allowed.
Ebiketie is on an expiring contract, as he signed a one-year, $4.3 million contract that could go up to $7.3 million through incentives. He was a second-round pick in 2022, so there is a lot of talent. The Bengals are 10th in the NFL with 23 total sacks, so they are getting another player who can be able to rush the passer.
With the Bengals seemingly not getting what they expected out of defensive end Shemar Stewart, this could be the team ready to cut bait with the former first-round pick. This is the second trade that the Philadelphia Eagles have made, after trading defensive tackle Jordan Davis to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday. It will be interesting to see how this move helps the Cincinnati Bengals moving forward.