Could the Cincinnati Bengals turn to Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald to help with their ailing defense?
The Bengals finished 31st in the NFL in yards allowed and 21st in scoring defense this past season, which was one of the numerous reasons why they missed the playoffs.
Of course, Joe Burrow being sidelined was the primary culprit, but the fact that Cincinnati could not stop anybody had nothing to do with Burrow being injured.
As a result, the Bengals will be looking to address their putrid defense this offseason, and with $61.4 million in cap room, they certainly have the financial resources to do it.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay suggests that Cincinnati pursue Donald and offer the Rams the 18th overall pick and a third-rounder in exchange for the future Hall-of-Famer.
That may seem like a rather steep price to pay for the aging Donald, but he remains very productive even in the twilight of his career, and the Bengals are desperate.
Donald is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he played 16 games and registered 53 tackles and eight sacks en route to his 10th straight Pro Bowl appearance.
But why would Los Angeles move Donald?
Well, Donald is entering the final year of his deal, and his NFL future is certainly in question. He has flirted with retirement in the past, and the Rams’ window has likely closed anyway.
It may behoove Los Angeles to move Donald now and recoup some substantial value for him to help kickstart a potential rebuild.
Of course, the Bengals have to be cautious here, as they are surely not going to want to give up those types of assets for a guy who may retire within a year.
But again, Cincinnati badly needs help on the defensive side of the ball, and unlike the Rams, the Bengals’ Super Bowl window is still very much open. Acquiring Aaron Donald could help push them over the top.
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