Cincinnati Bengals Face Critical Trade Deadline Amid Defensive Struggles

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a challenging 3-6 start in the 2025 NFL season, exacerbated by a historically poor defense and the absence of quarterback Joe Burrow for at least another month. Despite Joe Flacco's strong offensive performances, the team's defensive struggles have prompted calls for significant roster changes ahead of the NFL trade deadline, including trading key defensive players like Trey Hendrickson, Logan Wilson, and Cam Taylor-Britt to acquire draft capital and rebuild. Some analysts suggest the Bengals should consider even more drastic moves, such as trading recent first-round picks like Shemar Stewart to accelerate rebuilding efforts. Additionally, there are calls for changes in the coaching staff, particularly firing defensive coordinator Al Golden, to signal a commitment to improvement. The Bengals' management faces a balancing act between selling valuable assets for future viability and maintaining competitiveness, with many emphasizing the need for aggressive action to reset the team during the bye week and trade deadline period. Overall, the consensus is that without swift and bold moves, the Bengals risk further decline in the 2025 season and beyond.