NFL Bombshell: Cincinnati Bengals Set for Major Overhaul as Two Top Stars Prepare for Departure in Blockbuster Deal…….Read more

Joe Burrow provided the Bengals with ample justification to make substantial trade deadline additions.

Tuesday wasn’t a requirement. Weeks or months ago might have passed.

That is the most significant problem with Cincinnati’s behavior—or lack thereof—during the trade deadline.

On its own, acquiring Khalil Herbert through trade is a brilliant decision. It would be perfect to acquire a fourth-year running back with experience who is eager to contribute with a seventh-round pick. To a greater extent now that Zack Moss has suffered a serious neck injury.

Including Herbert was a must, but that was about it.

Even though they were the ones to win the trade deadline, the Chiefs sat on their hands on Tuesday. On October 23rd, they acquired DeAndre Hopkins in exchange for a conditional fifth-round selection. After that, they acquired pass rusher Josh Uche from the Patriots in exchange for a sixth-round selection.

The Chiefs traded two third-round draft choices for players that could have an impact in the second half of the season.

Monday, the Cardinals acquired Baron Browning from the Broncos in exchange for a selection in the sixth round. Browning may have added some cheap edge for the Bengals. His rookie contract is coming to an end, much like Herbert’s.

The Bengals might have gotten Uche or Browning if they had taken a more aggressive stance.

On Tuesday, though, they were given a second opportunity. In exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026, the Detroit Lions acquired Browns pass rusher Za’Darius Smith.

Although challenging, trading with a division opponent is certainly doable. It would be wise to support Smith.

Burrow, who can play quarterback like no one other, is on the Bengals. Ja’Marr Chase and other talented players are on their side.

In addition, they could have filled in several glaring gaps in the previous several weeks. The trade deadline is not on Tuesday.

When Borrow is your quarterback, you should be aggressive and assertive in the days leading up to the trade deadline. Neither should that, and it certainly won’t.

On Tuesday, the Bengals made a smart move, but now it seems empty.

Why?

The reason being that they were somewhat passive right before the deadline.

If the team’s young talent, including quarterback Myles Murphy, wide receiver Cam Taylor-Britt, tight end DJ Turner II, running back Joseph Ossai, tight end Kris Jenkins, and quarterback McKinnley Jackson, does not mature quickly, the team’s star quarterback will seem like a wasted chance.