The Bengals are heading into a huge AFC North test against the Ravens on Sunday, but the bigger decision hanging over Cincinnati might come later - at the trade deadline.
There’s already been plenty of buzz around Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, with the November 10th deadline creeping closer. And for the Bengals, the fit is obvious. Taylor is one of the top running backs in the NFL, and dropping him into Cincinnati’s offense would give the group another level of firepower.
That matters because the Bengals’ run game has not gotten where it needs to be. Chase Brown has had a rough start to the 2026 season, and this is not a team built to wait around for things to sort themselves out on the ground.
The financial piece also gives Cincinnati a path. The Bengals have $8.5 million in cap space, which could put them in position to make a run at Taylor. The catch is that they may not be alone.
The New York Giants are another team that could be looking for help at running back. Cam Skattebo, a fan favorite, has just 294 rushing yards this season, and while his year has fallen short of expectations, he could become part of a deal with the Colts.
Then there’s Minnesota, sitting at 5-0 and leading the NFC North. That’s not the spot many expected them to be in, but Brian Flores has his defense humming.
Even so, their offense could use another punch. The Vikings rank 19th in rushing yards, and Taylor would give that group a major boost.
For Cincinnati, the case is straightforward. If this is truly an all-in season, then going after Taylor fits the moment. The Bengals are built to throw the ball, and with that kind of passing talent, adding Taylor would force opposing defenses to deal with a nightmare matchup.
This is the kind of move that would send a clear message: the Bengals are serious. From their point of view, it looks like an easy call.
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Round-trip flights from Cincinnati to Madrid are available for under $1,000, which is the kind of detail that can move a trip from daydream to actual planning. The matchup will be played at Bernabu Stadium, with a 3:30 p.m. local kickoff, so anyone making the journey will get a true football weekend in one of Europes biggest sports cities. [Read more 🡒]