Three Realistic Deals Cincinnati Bengals Could Make Ahead of Trade Deadline

The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, October 31 at 4 p.m. ET.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Oct 20, 2023 8:27 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The NFL trade deadline is just 11 days away. We've seen plenty of moves over the past few weeks already, with guys like Mecole Hardman, Van Jefferson and Chase Claypool being dealt.

Will the Cincinnati Bengals get in on the action? They haven't made many midseason trades historically, but this year could be different.

Here are three realistic trades the Bengals could make ahead of the deadline on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. ET:

Hunter Henry, Tight End, Patriots

Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (right) celebrates a touchdown with running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports — Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Henry has 18 receptions for 183 yards and two touchdowns this season. The Bengals tight ends have combined for 16 catches for 107 yards.

Adding Henry would be a no-brainer for the Bengals. The 28-year-old shouldn't cost much. He's in the final year of his contract and he has been productive, but a fifth-round pick should get it done.

Bengals owner Mike Brown has a good relationship with Patriots head coach and pseudo general manager Bill Belichick. They've made multiple trades over the years, including the Chad Johnson and Corey Dillon deals.

Henry is a great fit in the Bengals' offense, would give them a plug-and-play option for the second half of the season and it shouldn't cost more than a fifth-round draft pick to land him.

Samaje Perine, Running Back, Broncos

Oct 1, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) brings down Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine (25) in the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports — Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Reunion time?

The Bengals likely plan on leaning on rookie Chase Brown to carry more of the load moving forward, but if Cincinnati does decide to add a running back, Perine is the most realistic.

He spent the past four years in Cincinnati prior to signing a two-year, $7 million contract with Denver in March. He appears to be the third option in the Broncos' running back room behind Javonte Williams and rookie Jaleel McLaughlin.

Perine knows the Bengals' offense inside and out. They could likely acquire him without losing a draft pick.

The Broncos would probably be willing to trade their 2024 sixth-round pick and Perine to the Bengals in exchange for Cincinnati's fifth-round selection.

Meanwhile, the Bengals could add a proven player to their backfield by moving down a handful of spots on day three of the draft.

Mike Gesicki, TE, Patriots

Oct 15, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki (88) reacts to a play against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports — Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Like Henry, Gesicki is a realistic target for the Bengals. The 28-year-old has 15 catches for 144 yards in six games. He signed a one-year deal with the Patriots this offseason.

Henry is the better fit, but both Patriots tight ends would boost Cincinnati's passing attack.

The Bengals have all seven of their picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. They're also projected to add fifth and seventh-round compensatory picks, giving them nine total selections.

Sending a fifth or sixth-rounder to the Patriots in exchange for Gesicki makes sense. New England should be willing to move one of their tight ends. Both guys would give Joe Burrow another weapon to lean on in the passing game.

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