Bengals trade rumors imply painful exit for team captain before deadline
The Cincinnati Bengals are on a collision course to make their defense even worse unless they do something drastic around the NFL trade deadline.
They rank dead-last in points and total yards allowed per game. They're not getting any help from 2024 third-round pick McKinnley Jackson, who just requested a trade or release. Yet another disappointing twist for the underachieving defensive tackle.
Thanks to an ongoing youth movement, too, in which Cincinnati is pressing unprepared rookies into action, team captain Logan Wilson is reportedly in danger of being dealt away.
Bengals exploring Logan Wilson trade ahead of NFL trade deadline
The MMQB's Albert Breer reports that a potential Logan Wilson trade is definitely in play.
"The Bengals [...] haven’t shown an appetite for trading Trey Hendrickson, but have at least fished around on the idea of trading LB Logan Wilson."
Over the past five drafts in particular, Cincinnati has whiffed time and again on key picks. Wilson represents an apparently bygone era, and a signal of how good things used
Wilson was a third-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Bengals did the no-brainer move and picked Joe Burrow No. 1 overall that year. To their credit, they picked up stud wide receiver Tee Higgins in Round 2, followed by Wilson to end the second day.
Three top picks. Three big hits. And for the first time in his career, Wilson was elected a team captain in 2025. Considering he was out down the stretch of last season as Cincinnati rattled off five straight wins, the veteran's return to the heart of the defense inspired optimism. Or at least it did in me.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor evidently thought the play of fourth-round rookie Barrett Carter was comparable enough to Wilson to justify a demotion. That then resulted in Wilson requesting a trade.
Hence why we're here, talking about the possibility of Wilson being moved before the Nov. 4 deadline. Apropos for Halloween, I wrote about how Wilson's trade request could very well haunt Cincinnati. The defense proceeded to be gashed in a 39-38 loss to the lowly Jets in Week 8.
At a certain point, you need to see what you have in your draft picks. However, the fact that the Bengals thrust Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. into starting roles feels forced. Wilson is a steady presence with a high football IQ, and meanwhile, Eagles playoff hero Oren Burks continues to ride the pine, making only occasional cameo snaps on defense.
Little about the Bengals' draft approach made sense when Knight and Carter were selected. It all looks worse now that Wilson wants out, and a linebacker-needy contender like the 49ers, Colts, or anyone else would be lucky to have him.
Whether it's at the trade deadline or in the midst of cap casualty SZN in the offseason, Logan Wilson is on his way out. It's an unceremonious, odd pending exit for a franchise cornerstone. Painful to watch.
HOT UPDATE: Coach Todd Bowles Reveals Encouraging Recovery Progress of Jalen McMillan – New Hope for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Offensive Lineup!
Tampa, FL — Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans are getting a glimpse of hope as coach Todd Bowles delivered an optimistic update on the recovery of wide receiver
McMillan, who was originally projected to be one of the most exciting young receivers in the NFL, was injured earlier this season, leaving the Buccaneers scrambling to fill the void. However, Bowles' latest comments have reignited optimism for a team that is looking to keep pace in a competitive NFC South.
"Jalen has been working incredibly hard on his recovery," Bowles said during the team’s Thursday press conference. "We're seeing improvements every week, and we expect him to be a key piece of our offense when he returns to the field. His strength and conditioning have come along well, and we're hopeful for a return sooner rather than later."
A Game-Changer for the Buccaneers' Offense?
Jalen McMillan was making waves as a dynamic and versatile wideout during the early stages of the season. His speed, route running, and ability to make big plays had quickly earned him a place as one of the most exciting prospects in the league. The injury, which had many fearing a prolonged absence, now seems to be less of a setback and more of a minor hurdle.
What does this mean for the Buccaneers moving forward? With McMillan's potential return, the Buccaneers could see a significant upgrade to their passing game. The offense has struggled with consistency, and McMillan’s return could be the piece that pushes them into high gear for the second half of the season.
In McMillan's absence, quarterback Baker Mayfield has had to rely on Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but while both are elite talents in their own right, having McMillan back could diversify the offensive scheme. McMillan’s ability to stretch the field and open up opportunities for others is invaluable. His rapport with Mayfield, developed during the offseason, is expected to provide the type of chemistry needed to drive the Buccaneers' offense.
Looking Ahead: A Mid-Season Surge?
The Bucs are currently sitting at a respectable 5-3 record but have shown inconsistency in their offensive production. The addition of McMillan back into the lineup could provide the spark they need, especially with critical matchups looming as the trade deadline approaches. Tampa Bay has already been active in exploring potential moves to strengthen their offense, but McMillan's recovery could negate the need for an external acquisition.
“I can’t wait to get back out there and show the fans what I’ve got,” McMillan said in a brief statement. “I’m feeling good, and I know when I return, I’ll be able to contribute immediately. This team is built for success, and I want to be a part of that.”
The Buccaneers have a tough stretch of games ahead, including key matchups against division rivals. If McMillan can return to form quickly, Tampa Bay might just be poised for a mid-season surge that propels them into the playoff conversation.
As Bowles noted, patience is key. “We’re going to make sure Jalen is fully ready before he steps back on the field. We have high expectations for him, and we want to make sure he’s at his best when the time comes.”
With the NFC South up for grabs and the Buccaneers hungry for a playoff spot, McMillan’s return could very well be the spark that fuels a run to the postseason. The future looks brighter than ever for the Bucs, thanks to the encouraging progress of their young wideout.
