With the NFL Draft in our rearview, the next question going into Cincinnati Bengals training camp is what additional offensive or defensive weapons can the ball club pick up? More specifically, what NFL Trades can the Bengals make?
Before addressing the potential NFL trades that the Bengals could obtain, there is an ongoing story about their current offensive tackle, Jonah Williams. The four-year Cincinnati offensive line has experienced a bit of miscommunication with the front office over whether or not a trade was in order. Williams requested a trade after the squad added Orlando Brown Jr. Williams, unsatisfied with the move to right tackle, requested a move.
Bengals OT Jonah Williams (73) – John Minchillo/AP
It was later reported by MSN that the former first-round pick felt the opposite despite the apparent apprehension towards the offensive changes.
“I’ll be happy to be a contributor on a team where I have so many great teammates,” Williams said, “l love everyone in the room, love the coaches, love the fans. I’m stoked.” -Jonah Williams
Williams is expected to be cleared in time for training camp as of Tuesday, according to an ESPN report on June 13, 2023. Bengals training camp begins at the end of July. If the OT is still considering a trade, what exactly could the Bengals get for him?
Patrick Queen, LB
Ravens LB Patrick Queen (6) – Kirk Irwin/Getty Images
As mentioned a few weeks back, the Bengals are most known for their high-power offense. While their defense is nothing to make light of, Cincinnati could stand a few more human pillars of pain on the defensive side of the ball.
Enter AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. Coming off their offseason workout, speculation has circulated about Patrick Queen’s status with the team. The Bengals could trade off Williams and obtain a high-caliber linebacker to support linebackers Logan Wilson and Germain Pratt. Queen was drafted first in 2020 and recorded 106 tackles in his first season. Queen was also named Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.
D’Andre Swift, RB
Lions RB D’Andre Swift (32) – Rey Del Rio/Getty Images
Current Bengals running back Joe Mixon has had spectators questioning his future with the ball club. For those worried about whether the six-year veteran is still an acceptable choice, what if the Bengals made full use of NFL Trades and went after an alternative? Specifically, D’Andre Swift?
The Lions’ 2023 draft pick, Jahmyr Gibbs, essentially signaled the end for Swift in the Motor City, opening up a risk-free pickup for the Bengals. A Williams trade for Swift could open up possibilities for a resurgence of the Bengals’ running game.
Last season, Swift rushed for nearly six yards per carry and eight yards per reception. While a Joe Mixon release doesn’t appear to be in the cards since our State of the Franchise reporting, a Swift Trade could prove beneficial to the Bengals more than it could hurt it.
On the contrary, an argument could be made that a trade such as this adds value to an already dynamic offense that has been praised for the last two seasons.
Mark Andrews, TE
Ravens TE Mark Andrew (89) – Patrick Semansky/AP
A final trade for Jonah Williams could be Baltimore Raven tight end Mark Andrews. Of the NFL Trades, this one may seem a bit redundant. Andrews, a 2018 round 3 pick, averaged 11.6 yards per catch in 2022 and recorded 847 yards. Trading Williams for Andrews seems a less than interesting trade due to the talents at the passing game. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins providing aerial assault facilitated by Joe Burrow, it may seem like overkill to have a tight end who may not see the ball much. However, an interesting transaction, nonetheless.
Williams’s comments open up a few scenarios to think about, whether he decides to stay or go.
