Report: Another Cincinnati Bengals Player Has Requested a Trade

CINCINNATI — Bengals defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson has requested a trade according to ESPN's Ben Baby.

Jackson has only appeared in one game this season, despite being healthy. The Bengals selected the 23-year-old in the third round (97th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft.

He appeared in 13 games as a rookie, finishing with 15 tackles (two for loss) and one sack in 13 games.

Jackson is the second member of the Bengals defense to request a trade this month. Logan Wilson requested a trade last week.

Cincinnati is 3-5 on the season. They host the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Paycor Stadium.

The 2025 NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. ET. If the Bengals can't trade Jackson, he asked for his release according to Baby's report.

Coaching Change and Draft Day

It's rare to see a third round pick only play one game in their second season—especially when they've been healthy.

Jackson has been a healthy inactive for most of the season. It's also worth noting that the Bengals switched defensive coordinators in the offseason. They fired Lou Anarumo in January and hired Al Golden as his replacement.

Golden sounded excited to work with both second-year defensive tackles that the Bengals selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. They took Kris Jenkins in the second round (49th overall) and Jackson one round later.

"Really excited about them," Golden said in August. "Jenkins, he's shown the ability to rush the passer. I think he's healthy. I wasn't here, but I don't think he started the year healthy last year. So he's healthy, he's quicker, he's playing with a lot of energy. McKinnley is powerful inside and playing really well in terms of not getting moved off the ball. He's coming off blocks better. I'm excited about their growth."

Jackson has only appeared in one regular season game and the Bengals signed veteran Mike Pennel after final cuts. They also added Jordan Jefferson to the roster earlier this month.

Jefferson was picked in the fourth round (116th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bengals picked Jackson 97th overall, 19 spots ahead of Jefferson.

Pennel asked for his release earlier this week. He quickly signed with the Chiefs after the Bengals moved on from the veteran defensive tackle. Now Jackson wants a trade or his release.

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