The Bengals have already made one major splash this season, bringing in former New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence during the 2026 NFL Draft. Even after that move, though, Cincinnati still doesn’t look fully satisfied with where it stands in the AFC picture as the trade deadline nears.
That’s why the Bengals keep showing up in trade chatter, and why another move on defense makes sense. The biggest issue remains the linebacker group, which has been a problem spot all season. Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. have both improved, but opposing offenses have still found plenty of room in the short and intermediate passing game because of their struggles in coverage.
It’s the same reason Bengals fans were pushing for linebacker help during the offseason, when names like Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks and now-Washington Commanders linebacker Leo Chenal came up as possible targets. But the more interesting option now is Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun.
Baun would be a significant addition if the Bengals can get him. He began his NFL career as an edge rusher, then developed into a coverage linebacker with the Eagles.
That role has turned him into one of the best coverage linebackers in the league, with the ability to handle tight ends and slot receivers in space. He also carries championship experience from the 2024 Eagles team that won the Super Bowl.
His availability is tied to Philadelphia’s situation. With Jalen Hurts out for the year because of his deep vein thrombosis, the Eagles have gone from contenders to possible sellers.
Tanner McKee has not given them much reason to believe in a playoff push, and they’re now looking at prospect Joe Milton to lead them the rest of the way. With Hurts’ diagnosis carrying long-term implications, there’s growing speculation that Philadelphia could lean toward a rebuild.
For Cincinnati, Baun would fit a clear need. Knight Jr. has been strong against the run, but he’s been one of the worst linebackers in coverage this season.
Carter has mostly played well, yet he still has coverage lapses and occasional bad angles. Adding a veteran like Baun would give the Bengals a much-needed boost at a position that has remained shaky despite the progress they’ve made.
In Other News...
Bengals Could Face A Tough Trade Deadline Decision On Their Own Roster
The Bengals are expected to be in the market at the NFL trade deadline because of injury-related needs, especially at linebacker and in the secondary, but their own roster could complicate any plans to add help. As Cincinnati looks for ways to stay afloat through a banged-up stretch, the front office also has to weigh whether moving players off the roster would create one problem while trying to solve another.
Several names have surfaced as possible trade candidates, including Joe Flacco, Kris Jenkins, Dohnte Meyers and Shemar Stewart, though the Bengals are said to value some of those players highly. Other teams may come calling, but Cincinnatis current injury situation and its internal view of those pieces could make the deadline more about restraint than action. [Read more 🡒]
Jonathan Allen Sends A Clear Warning About Bengals Defense
Jonathan Allen spent part of his media session talking through the Bengals defensive issues as the team sits at 5-2 and approaches the midpoint of the 2026 NFL season. The veteran defender did not try to dress up the performance, instead making clear there is plenty of room for improvement as Cincinnati tries to steady itself before a tricky international matchup.
Allen also turned his attention to the Falcons, who await in Spain and bring a different kind of test for a defense still searching for consistency. With 20 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble so far, Allen has produced enough to matter, but he knows the Bengals need more from the entire unit if they are going to handle what Atlanta brings next. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals Draw A Flag-Heavy Ref Crew For Falcons Showdown
Brad Allen will be the head referee when the Bengals meet the Falcons in Madrid, and his assignment naturally brings a little extra attention given his long track record with Cincinnati. Allen has been around plenty of big stages in his career, including playoff work, and his crews have often been among the more flag-prone groups in the league, which is the kind of detail that tends to matter when a team is heading into a high-profile international game.
For the Bengals, the matchup already carries the usual travel and timing challenges, and the officiating layer only adds to the conversation because Allens name has come up in past Cincinnati games tied to notable calls. His crews tendency to let penalties shape the flow of a game is part of the backdrop here, and it gives this trip to Madrid a little more intrigue before either team takes the field. [Read more 🡒]