As the NFL Combine kicks off, the Cincinnati Bengals will gather not only to scout prospects but also to start exploring deals for players already in the NFL.
The NFL’s legal tampering period technically doesn’t start until March 9th, but it is the worst-kept secret in the league that discussions actually start in Indianapolis.
Some teams have already made teams aware of players the plan to release or will be available to trade, including the Minnesota Vikings, who are reportedly open to trading defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, according to Jordan Schultz.
Hargrave is exactly the kind of player the Bengals could use as they attempt to rebuild their defense this offseason. So far, draft picks Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson haven’t exactly worked out, leaving B.J. Hill as the most reliable interior defensive lineman. If the Bengals are serious about fixing their defense, they should at least call Minnesota on Hargrave to see if they can make a deal happen.
He had 3.5 sacks from the interior last season, which would pair nicely with the four sacks Hill recorded. The Bengals may want to develop their younger players still, but an established veteran like Hargrave could line up and make a real impact in Week 1.
Reports indicate the Bengals plan to be aggressive in free agency to improve one of the league’s worst defenses from 2025, but hopefully, they also consider the trade market.
It isn’t like the Bengals to make a move like this, but they clearly need to make a few changes in their approach before fans see a fourth-straight season with no playoff berth…