March 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m. ET
The Cincinnati Bengals keep feeling like a team about to make a big splash in NFL free agency.
But only so big.
There’s buzz around the Bengals targeting top-of-market free agents at a specific position. Another report says the Bengals could be one of the most aggressive teams while seeking help on defense.
Not as likely? A trade for Philadelphia Eagles star defender Jalen Carter.
That’s an idea making the rounds on social media right now after the Eagles gave Jordan Davis a three-year, $78 million contract extension.
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ESPN’S Jeremy Fowler added fuel to the fire by reporting teams are calling the Eagles about Carter:
“With defensive tackle Jordan Davis now extended, Philly also must weigh whether to extend Jalen Carter, who is eligible for a new deal. I’m told Philly has received trade calls on Carter.”
Just don’t expect the Bengals to be one of them.
Carter, the No. 9 overall pick from the 2023 draft, has already achieved All-Pro and multi-time Pro Bowl status. He’s heading for a market-resetting contract in the near future, either with the Eagles or otherwise.
No doubt the Bengals need help on the defensive line and will spend big on the position, perhaps in free agency and at No. 10 overall.
But trading for Carter would cost at least two premium draft picks on top of his big contract extension. Duke Tobin and the Bengals simply aren’t going to give up two cheap rookie contracts’ worth of production via premium picks and pay Carter.
The Bengals have also spent all offseason talking about adding veteran leaders to help a young roster, while Carter has the infamous spitting incident and prior off-field issues on his resume.
If the Bengals are going to trade for defensive line help, they might call a selling team like the Bears instead.