The Cincinnati Bengals head to Miami this weekend in search of a win against the Dolphins before the bye week.
The Bengals are currently 2-2 but have a chance to get back in the win column against a Dolphins team that has yet to win a game this season.
While this roster is improved in 2026, there are still plenty of spots that could be improved before this season’s trade deadline.
The first name is Tampa Bay Buccaneers corner Zyon McCollum, a name that has fallen in the CB rankings recently.
“McCollum enjoyed a tremendous start to the 2024 season, but since then, his production has definitely waned. Through the first four games of 2026, McCollum sports just a 58.3 PFF coverage grade, although his passer rating against (80.4) and forced incompletion rate (13.3%) are both at least 60th percentile.
“In the first year of a three-year, $48 million extension, McCollum is another defender the Buccaneers could look to shed. The Steelers could reunite McCollum with Jamel Dean after trading Porter, while the Lions need more talent in their secondary. The Bears and Bengals could also make particular sense because of McCollum’s higher coverage level, and 4. In fact, McCollum is better in zone when 2024 and 2025. Raiders general manager John Spytek may also call his former organization.”
Another name the Bengals have listed is New York Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens.
“Stephens has been an effective cornerback since joining the Jets last offseason. Since the start of 2025, his 70.2 overall PFF grade ranks 14thth in 40 qualified corners. Stephens has also tightened up his coverage this year, with his 74.4 PFF coverage marking the ninth highest at the position.
“How much the 1-3 Jets will sell for is unknown, but general manager Darren Mougey has always seemed open to business. Since Stephens is a 2028 free agent and the team drafted D’Angelo Ponds in the second round, a trade may not be that plausible. Pittsburgh and Detroit may have interest because of their needs, while Stephens attracts an 88.7 grade in Cincinnati.”
While it’s unlikely the Bengals will make a trade for a defensive player during the season based on their history, the defense could use a veteran linebacker, as well as some secondary help.
What do you think of these names as potential trade options for the Bengals? Let us know in the comments section!