The Cincinnati Bengals have traditionally refrained from engaging in significant trades, just as they’ve rarely made waves in free agency.

However, the upcoming offseason is poised to be the most crucial during the Joe Burrow era, with impending free agency for key players like Tee Higgins and Jonah Williams, coupled with significant gaps in the roster that demand attention.

In light of these circumstances, Bleacher Report’s NFL scouting department has put forth the idea of the Bengals making a substantial trade with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire defensive lineman DeForest Buckner.

This proposed deal involves the Bengals parting with a second-round draft pick to make it a reality.

“The Bengals really struggled to stop the run this season, and they didn’t get much pass-rush support from their interior defenders other than the 4.5 sacks from B.J. Hill. Trading for Buckner would give them a legitimate star in the middle of the defense. He only has one year left on his contract with the Colts and it has minimal guarantees, so he could easily be extended in a way that fits into their salary cap picture over the next three years.”

It’s worth noting that the Bengals are not known for readily relinquishing valuable draft assets through trades. Nevertheless, there is compelling rationale behind pursuing such a trade, particularly when it involves securing a dynamic defensive talent like DeForest Buckner.

Buckner’s impressive track record includes nine sacks and a noteworthy 81.8 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade in the previous season.

To be clear, this move remains highly improbable, given the Bengals’ historical approach. However, the notion of acquiring a star defender becomes increasingly attractive when considering the team’s current predicament.

Cincinnati’s defensive line is grappling with a dearth of effective pass-rushers, exacerbated by injuries to key players like DJ Reader, who is also headed for free agency. In the wake of a season marred by injuries, pursuing such an aggressive, win-now strategy might be precisely what the Bengals need to reignite their prospects.

Making this trade with the Indianapolis Colts would immediately make the Bengals one of the favorites in the AFC once again.

Want the latest NFL and NCAA Football analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.