3 best trade targets for the Bengals to round out their 2022 roster

The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to avoid the dreaded Super Bowl hangover. These three trades could help them with that endeavor.

The Cincinnati Bengals were the most surprising team in the NFL in 2021. They went on an impressive cinderella run to the Super Bowl before losing the big game in heartbreaking fashion. Despite that heartbreak, the Bengals look ready for a strong 2022 season. General manager Mike Brown put together one of the best offseasons in the league. It started with a fantastic free agent period. The Bengals completely revamped the offensive line with three big signings while doing a great job of retaining in-house talent. The draft was similarly successful for Cincinnati, as they got valuable players throughout every round. Despite their resounding success on the year, the Bengals still have a couple of holes that they need to address. With that being said, here are the three best trade targets for the Bengals to round out their roster.

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Bengals Trade Targets To Complete 2022 Roster

3. Chris Carson

The Bengals should pursue help at running back before the regular season rolls around. Joe Mixon is a fantastic starter, but the depth behind him has proven to be unreliable. Samaje Perine is a decent third-down back, but he just isn't a particularly effective rusher. Chris Evans played a surprisingly large role as a rookie, but none of his snaps showed anything special. Mixon isn't particularly injury-prone, but he does get hurt more often than most starting backs. The Bengals could use a solid backup that excels as a runner, something they don't currently have on roster.

Chris Carson is the perfect answer for the Bengals. Carson, currently a Seattle Seahawk, is one of the most underrated running backs in the NFL. He runs with incredible power and balance, rarely going down on first contact. However, he has had some injury issues because of the amount of carries he's received over his career. Playing for the Bengals would solve that problem, as he wouldn't have to take the lion's share of work. The Seahawks should be willing to part ways with him for a fairly low price, as they're loaded with younger, talented running backs. This deal would be a win for both sides.

2. Chris Conley

This trade definitely isn't the most exciting possible move, but it would be a huge help to the Bengals. Chris Conley is a solid veteran receiver who is a capable backup. He has experience playing outside or in the slot, and would easily be the best backup receiver on the Bengals. Cincinnati also doesn't have a veteran wide receiver on the bench, so Conley would also help lead a group of incredibly promising pass-catchers in the locker room.

At first glance, it doesn't look like the Bengals need help at receiver. However, they are severely lacking depth at the position. Starters Ja'Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and Tee Higgins are all great players, but the talent drops off after them. Mike Thomas and Stanley Morgan are the first two guys off the bench. If either player has to play significant snaps at receiver, the Bengals will be in serious trouble. Cincinnati desperately needs a decent backup at the position, and Conley could certainly provide that.

1. Maliek Collins

The Bengals were one of the best run defenses in the league in 2021, largely thanks to fantastic play from their defensive tackles. In order to ensure that remains a strength in 2022, the front office should look to add depth at the position. DJ Reader and BJ Hill are solid starters, but there's very little depth behind them. Tyler Shelvin and Josh Tupou are decent players, but any significant playing time for them doesn't bode well for the Bengals' defense.

That's where Maliek Collins comes in. Collins is a solid defensive tackle that specializes in rushing the passer, an element that Cincinnati doesn't currently have at defensive tackle. He would provide a good rotational guy off the bench, and could easily start should one of the real starters go down with injury. Collins currently plays for the Houston Texans, a team he doesn't fit on at all. The Texans are in the middle of a full rebuild, so they should be looking to offload aging veterans like Collins.