Three Factors Behind the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2023 NFL Trade Deadline Letdown…

As the 2023 NFL trade deadline recently concluded, the Cincinnati Bengals notably refrained from making any significant moves.

While this decision may not have surprised those familiar with the Bengals’ reluctance to trade away draft picks for short-term gains, fans had hoped for a different approach this year.

Despite their somewhat sluggish start, the Bengals remain in contention for the Super Bowl. They recently showcased their best performance of the season and could have benefitted from some additional support to enhance their playoff prospects and surpass their AFC North rivals.

Let’s delve into the reasons why the Bengals fell short during the NFL trade deadline.

1. Missed Opportunity to Gain an Edge in the Division and Conference The Bengals chose to stand pat, and interestingly, so did their AFC North competitors. This presented an ideal opportunity for Cincinnati to make a bold, game-changing trade. Surprisingly, the Ravens, known for their history of bold trades, remained inactive. The Steelers refrained from bolstering their offensive lineup, and the Browns, while trading a player away, did not bring in any new additions. Consequently, the question arises: why didn’t the Bengals seize the chance to gain an advantage over their divisional rivals?

Meanwhile, in the conference, both the Bills and Jaguars made valuable additions before the trade deadline, solidifying their positions as playoff contenders. The Bengals had the opportunity to enhance their roster but opted to maintain the status quo.

2. Urgent Need for Tight End Assistance The signing of Irv Smith Jr. has proven to be a significant disappointment. The Bengals had hoped that he would thrive with Joe Burrow as his quarterback, but that vision has not materialized. Smith’s costly fumble during the Week 8 victory against San Francisco marked the breaking point for Bengals fans and their trust in the tight end. The Bengals could have explored options to acquire a tight end who could elevate their offensive performance, but they chose not to pursue this avenue. Reuniting with Hayden Hurst or C.J. Uzomah did not materialize.
3. Uncertainty Surrounding the Backup Running Back Position Although the Bengals’ running game displayed competence in the Week 8 victory over the 49ers, the backup running back position has been a source of uncertainty throughout the season. Chase Brown’s placement on injured reserve, Chris Evans’ limited playing time, and Trayveon Williams’ lackluster contributions left the Bengals with a pressing question mark. The return of Samaje Perine, who previously enjoyed success in this offensive system, would have been a popular move among Bengals fans. However, the team failed to address this need, marking a missed opportunity by the front office.