The Cincinnati Bengals already made one major defensive swing this year, and the door is at least cracked for another before the NFL trade deadline.
If they decide to chase help at safety, Los Angeles Chargers standout Derwin James is the kind of name that jumps to the top of the board. Cincinnati has been dealing with injuries to Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger, and Jordan Battle has had a rocky start even after picking off two passes against the Miami Dolphins. James would give defensive coordinator Al Golden a versatile piece who can play deep, operate in the slot, and even rush the passer at times, giving the Bengals another weapon next to Cook.
There’s no question the price tag is steep. The Chargers gave James a three-year, $75.6 million extension in May, which works out to $25.2 million per year on the new deal. He also has a fully guaranteed $17.5 million salary in 2027, a detail that would make any long-term move tricky for Cincinnati.
Still, financially, a deal is not out of the question. Per Over the Cap, James has an $11.5 million base salary in 2026, so if the Bengals traded for him after Week 6, they’d be taking on roughly $7.7 million in remaining salary. The bigger issue would be that guaranteed 2027 money hanging over the next season.
The larger concern may be whether the Chargers would even entertain it. Los Angeles is 0-6 after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs, which has raised questions about the team’s direction before the deadline, but there’s no sign they’re ready to move their defensive leader.
On the field, James has posted a 60.9 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus this season, which ranks 45th among 93 qualifying safeties. His run defense has been the stronger part of his game, with a 77.9 grade that sits 19th at the position, while his 50.8 coverage grade is down at 65th.
There’s also the injury factor. James missed his third straight game Sunday because of a hamstring injury, adding another wrinkle for any team considering a run at him.
For Cincinnati, it would be a costly gamble. But as a run-stopping fit for a defense trying to shore itself up before a tough AFC North stretch, James makes for an intriguing possibility.
In Other News...
Bengals Suddenly Linked To A Move That Could Change Their Offense
The Colts 2-4 start and the firing of general manager Chris Ballard have stirred up an already unsettled situation in Indianapolis, and it has quickly spilled into trade chatter around one of the NFLs most recognizable running backs. Jonathan Taylors name is suddenly back in the rumor mill, with Cincinnati among the teams said to have at least checked in as clubs look at whether the Colts might be willing to move him.
For the Bengals, the appeal is obvious enough to make the speculation worth watching, even if nothing has been confirmed by Indianapolis or any of the teams involved. Seattle has also been tied to the same broader sweepstakes, and the fact that several clubs are believed to have called the Colts suggests this could become a real story if the market keeps building, leaving Cincinnati fans to wonder whether a major offensive addition is even possible. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals Have A Special Teams Problem Beyond Their Star Kicker
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Ryan Rehkows production has also been part of the concern, as his average punt distance has lagged behind the better legs around the league. For a team trying to stay competitive, those issues matter because special teams errors do not just change field position, they can swing momentum and put stress on the rest of the roster. Cincinnati has the kind of kicking game that should be an asset, but the rest of the operation has not always done McPherson or the Bengals many favors. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals Face One Trade Deadline Question In Their Backfield
The Bengals are keeping an eye on the running back market as the trade deadline approaches, and one name that has surfaced is Cam Skattebo of the Giants. Cincinnati has the draft capital to make a move if it wants to shore up a backfield that could use some extra insulation, and Skattebos contract situation makes him an appealing piece for a team looking beyond just a short-term rental.
What makes him interesting is the blend of cost control and unfinished upside. He has shown enough production this season to stay on the radar, yet his role in New York has changed enough to make the conversation real. For the Bengals, the question is whether they want to act before the deadline, or trust the group they already have and save those picks for another need. [Read more 🡒]