The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a disappointing campaign in which they went 4-11-1. Rookie quarterback Joe Burrow got hurt in week 11 as he suffered a torn ACL and MCL. He was impressive before suffering this injury and could be an elite quarterback this season.
The Bengals did an amazing job in the draft surrounding Burrow with a ton of talent. They reunited him with LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase with the 6th pick in the draft. Chase was one of the best receivers in the class and will instantly elevate the offense. He will already have incredible chemistry with Burrow as they head into training camp.
The Bengals could sneak into the playoffs with a few trades. Here are 3 potential trade candidates for the Bengals entering the 2021 training camp.
Bengals trade candidates:
3. Quarterback Gardner Minshew II
While the Bengals have their starting quarterback in place, they could still use a good backup. Gardner Minshew II has been in trade rumors and would be a great backup to Burrow. He has shown that he can start for a team when needed and have solid production.
Minshew II has thrown for 5,53o yards, 37 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions in his first 2 seasons. These numbers won't blow you away, but they are above average for a backup quarterback.
This move wouldn't be exciting but could be very beneficial for the Bengals.
2. Tight end Zach Ertz
One of the weaker positions on the Bengals roster is at tight end. Zach Ertz has been on the trade block for some time and could be moved before the season begins. He would be a great fit in the Bengals' high-powered offense. Ertz isn't as young as most of the roster, but he would still be a reliable player for the next few seasons.
Getting Burrow more targets is never a bad idea, and Ertz's career could be revitalized in Cincinnati. He is a 3 time Pro Bowler and was one of the best tight ends in the league just a few seasons ago.
If the Bengals can make this move, the offense could elevate to a whole new level.
1. Linebacker Jaylon Smith
The best trade the Bengals could make would be for linebacker Jaylon Smith. He currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys, who gave him a big contract. The Cowboys have paid many of their stars, which has put them in a tight cap situation. With more players to pay in the coming years, the Cowboys will have some difficult decisions to make.
One of those decisions could involve moving Smith to another team. This would be a perfect player for the Bengals to acquire. They are thin at the inside linebacker position and he is a star. He was a Pro Bowler back in 2019 and could become the face of the Bengals' defense.
Last season Smith had 154 tackles, which was second in the entire NFL. Finding an anchor of the defense is hard to come by, but Smith would fill that role.
If the Bengals can pull off a trade for Smith, they will not regret it.
Bengals 2021 season preview
This season ahead is bound to be exciting for Cincinnati. Burrow's return along with the new talent should make the team improve drastically. Although they aren't expected to be great, the Bengals are ready to compete for a playoff spot. Look for this team to make a playoff push, especially if it makes these trades.
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