Three Running Backs the Cincinnati Bengals Should Target Before the Trade Deadline
On Saturday, Cincinnati placed rookie Chase Brown on injured reserve.
CINCINNATI (AP) — On Sunday, the Bengals will face the 49ers in Santa Clara. They’re looking to win their third game in a row following a sluggish start for the second year in a row.
With a hamstring ailment, Cincinnati placed rookie running back Chase Brown on injured reserve on Saturday. He’ll miss at least the next four games.
Over the next month, the Bengals will face the 49ers, Bills, Texans, and Ravens. They have a 0-3 record against the AFC. It’s critical to go at least 3-1 throughout that stretch.
Adding running back depth should be high on their priorities list. Joe Mixon can still be effective, but they need another backfield option.
If the Bengals desire to make a trade, players like Dalvin Cook, AJ Dillon, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Antonio Gibson are viable choices. Leonard Fournette, a former Pro Bowler, is still unsigned. He’s also a viable alternative.
Who are the unrealistic players? Is there anyone they could pursue to give their offense the boost it needs down the stretch?
Here are three running backs who might suit the bill. The Bengals should contact these players, even if it means foregoing a valuable draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft:
Austin Ekeler
Ekeler’s contract is coming to an end. He’s only played in three games and has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the team this offseason.
The Chargers are 2-4 on the season, and while they want to improve, the Bengals should inquire about Ekeler’s services.
He’d be an ideal match for Cincinnati’s offense. He’s an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield and one of the NFL’s most versatile running backs. Some may think it’s ridiculous to give up a third or fourth round pick for Ekeler, but he’s a dynamic player.
Would the Chargers be willing to deal him? Probably not. That could change though, especially if they lose to the Bears on Sunday night.
Inquiring about Ekeler’s availability makes sense, even if it’s wishful thinking.
Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson’s contract runs through the 2024 season. He’s a powerful runner who runs quickly and has outstanding hands out of the backfield.
The Bengals would almost certainly have to give up a third or fourth round choice to get Stevenson, but they could ask the Patriots to toss in Hunter Henry for good measure.
Stevenson isn’t a star, but he can do everything the Bengals need from a running back. The Patriots may not want to part with him because of his age, production, and contract, but Cincinnati should at least look into him.
Derrick Henry
Henry is the most versatile of this group of running backs. He wouldn’t be a perfect fit in Cincinnati’s offense, but he’d provide physicality and explosiveness to the Bengals’ backfield.
He is nearing the end of his contract. The Bengals, like Ekeler, may trade for Henry with their 2024 draft capital in exchange for a compensatory selection in the 2025 NFL Draft if the player signs elsewhere in free agency.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bengals are expected to have nine draft picks (two compensatory). Trading one of those picks for a top running back makes sense and has the potential to flip their worst problem into a strength.
