Bengals named a logical fit for former Pro Bowler who is a trade candidate this offseason

Bengals named a logical fit for former Pro Bowler who is a trade candidate this offseason

The Cincinnati Bengals have had a nice offseason — adding offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr and re-signing linebacker Germaine Pratt were big moves for the franchise.

 

 

And there’s a possibility that Cincinnati isn’t done adding to their roster (aside from the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft).

CBS Sports recently named the Bengals as a “logical landing spot” for a four-time Pro Bowler who’s reportedly on the trade block.

 

 

 Bengals named a logical fit for former Pro Bowler who is a trade candidate this offseason

 

 

Numerous analysts expect the Minnesota Vikings to move on from Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook this offseason.

Cook, who has topped 1,100 rushing yards in each of the last four seasons, will turn 28 before the start of the 2023 season. And the Vikings are ready to move on from his contract.

 

 

 Bengals named a logical fit for former Pro Bowler who is a trade candidate this offseason

 

 

“Based on everything that we’ve seen, and what has gone unsaid, it’s almost impossible to believe that Cook will remain on the roster at his current numbers,” reported ESPN’s Kevin Seifert earlier this offseason. “He’ll either accept a significant pay cut, get traded, or be released.”

From CBS Sports: At full speed, Cook is still one of the NFL’s best pure runners, fresh off a fourth straight 1,000-yard campaign. But he’s going on 28 with a history of nagging injuries, has racked up 1,500 career touches and is due at least $14M in each of the next three years. Minnesota hasn’t been shy about bidding fan favorites farewell to free up money this offseason. Cook’s departure would save the Vikings almost $8M via trade, allowing Alexander Mattison to headline the next backfield rotation.

 

 

 Bengals named a logical fit for former Pro Bowler who is a trade candidate this offseason

The Bengals still have Joe Mixon on their roster and it’s unclear if they’re going to move on from him this offseason.

Moving on from Mixon, however, would be a requirement for the Bengals to pursue Cook in a trade.

One reason a trade for Cook could make sense is that it would essentially be a one-year move for Cincinnati.

Cook has three years remaining on his contract. But according to Yahoo Sports, any team that acquires Cook could release him after the 2023 season and they wouldn’t face a deadcap hit.

 Bengals named a logical fit for former Pro Bowler who is a trade candidate this offseason

With Cincinnati likely handing out several big extensions in the next 12 months (Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and possibly Tee Higgins), that tidbit could make trading for Cook a realistic option for the Bengals.

But before Cook can even be considered, Cincinnati has to figure out the Mixon situation. And that seems to be a mystery to everyone at the moment.

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