Report: Bengals defender shockingly requests trade ahead of deadline

Cincinnati Bengals' Defense Takes Hit as Third Player Requests Trade Ahead of Deadline

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a defensive crisis after a third player requested a trade or release. Defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson has followed in the footsteps of linebackers Logan Wilson and Mike Pennel, who have both asked to be moved off the roster.

Jackson's request comes as no surprise given his limited use this season. The 26-year-old has been a healthy scratch for six out of eight games, playing just six defensive snaps in Week 5. Despite being drafted by the Bengals in the third round, Jackson's lack of playing time raises questions about the team's decision-making.

The usually reliable case for third-round picks is that they will see significant action on the field. However, Jackson's stats from his rookie season - 15 total tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble - suggest he has more to offer than he's currently getting.

With the Bengals struggling at 3-5, it seems unlikely that they'll be sellers at the trade deadline. However, granting Jackson's request could prove a shrewd move for both parties. If the team can pick up something in the fifth or sixth round of the draft, it would be a win-win.

I'm low-key worried about this defense . They're getting torn apart out there and it's like they just gave up . A defensive tackle who's been a healthy scratch for half the season asking to be traded? Yeah, that does sound fishy . But at the same time, you can't deny McKinnley Jackson has some solid stats from his rookie year . The Bengals are gonna have to decide if it's better to stick with him or cut their losses . Maybe trading him for a mid-round pick would be the way to go?

meh Bengals defense is a mess. think they need to shake things up at all levels 3 players asking for trades already? that's not a sign of strength, that's weakness Jackson was drafted in the third round and he's still playing 6 snaps a game? what happened to those prospects? they gotta move him or he'll be a benchwarmer forever

Ugh I'm so confused about this defense ... I mean I get it, players want to play and contribute but six out of eight games as a scratch? That's just not right . And what's going on with all these trades? First it's Wilson, then Pennel, now Jackson... does that mean they're all not good enough for the team? I feel like the Bengals are trying to cut costs but at what cost to their performance? They need to figure out a way to get some consistent defense or else they'll be stuck in 3rd place forever .

I'm low-key salty for these Bengals defense players . First, Logan Wilson is all over the place, then Mike Pennel just gets benched and now McKinnley Jackson wants out? It's like they're not even trying to develop their own talent. I get it, injuries happen but 3 guys in a row requesting trades ahead of the deadline? That's just weird. The team should be looking to upgrade their D-line ASAP

I feel bad for McKinnley Jackson, dude . He was drafted by the Bengals and expected to play big role on D-line but now he's just getting bench-warmed . It's like they're not using his skills to full potential. The team is struggling anyway so maybe this trade request is a good opportunity for them to get something better in return . Jackson could be worth more than what the Bengals are giving him right now, you know?

im curious about mckinnley jackson's situation i mean dont get me wrong he looks like a solid defensive tackle on paper but if hes not getting playing time what does that say about the coaching staff? are they really trying to hide his skills or is there just some depth issues with the team thats preventing him from seeing action? also i wonder if trading him now would be better than holding onto him for the rest of the season

Wow the Bengals defense is getting smoked and now they're making moves to shake things up interesting their 3rd round pick is like what's going on?? they got him with high hopes but he's been a healthy scratch for 6 out of 8 games?? this just makes you wonder if the team made a mistake drafting him?

I'm totally with McKinnley Jackson on this one . You'd think a third-round pick would at least get some decent snaps, but he's been getting benched left and right. I mean, what's the point of drafting someone if you're not gonna use them? The Bengals need to sort out their defense ASAP, or they'll be getting destroyed in the playoffs . Trading him now might not bring a ton, but it's better than losing a piece of your team for nothing.

[gif: a picture of a player throwing in a football with a "trade me" stamp on it]

Defense is like dating - you gotta let some players go if they're not getting played

[image: a graph showing a declining Bengals' defense]

Third-round picks are like college students - sometimes they just need to get out of the dorms

[gif: a picture of money coming out of a printer]

Trading a player for a 5th or 6th round pick is like getting a free meal at a fancy restaurant

I feel bad for this guy McKinnley Jackson He's been sitting on the bench all season and I just don't think that's right. Third-round picks are supposed to see some action, you know? It's like they say, "draft for depth" - but in this case, it feels like he's being drafted with a shelf life .

I think the Bengals need to take a hard look at their coaching and maybe make some changes on staff. I'm no expert, but it seems like they're not getting the most out of their draft picks. And Jackson, he's just trying to play ball and provide for his family, you know? He deserves better .

Maybe if the team can find someone who wants him, he'll finally see some playing time and get that recognition he deserves . That would be a win-win for everyone involved!

I don’t usually comment but... this defense crisis is getting crazy . I mean, you’d think after all the hype around drafting McKinnley Jackson, he'd be playing more than 6 snaps per game . He's got some solid stats from his rookie season too - 15 total tackles and a forced fumble . It just doesn’t add up. And with the Bengals struggling at 3-5, you can imagine the pressure on their coaching staff to make some changes.

I think it’s actually a good move for both parties if they trade Jackson or release him now . The team gets something decent in return, and Jackson gets a fresh start where he might actually see some playing time . Plus, with the draft coming up, there are always gems to be found at those rounds... fingers crossed they can turn this season around!

the Bengals defense is such a mess i mean, three players already wanting out? that's crazy. and it's not like they were expected to be studs right off the bat - I've seen third-round picks make decent contributions in their rookie seasons, but not this guy... 15 tackles and one sack in his entire rookie season is basically nothing plus he's been a healthy scratch like six times already. i'm sure there's something about his game that the coaches just aren't getting out of him yet... or maybe they're trying to hide some issues, idk. but granting his request could be a smart move for both parties - if they can snag something decent in the draft

Wow - teams should know how to manage their depth chart better, especially with guys who were drafted so high! Interesting , if they let him go now, they might regret not giving him more chances...

I dont get why teams do this, they draft someone and then just stick them on the bench... i mean, i know injuries happen but 6 out of 8 games? that's crazy! maybe mckinnley shouldnt have asked for a trade or release if he knew he wasnt gonna play

The Bengals defense is getting roasted on social media and I gotta agree, it's a mess . They're passing on some solid young talent like Jackson and it's not looking great for their future . The stats from his rookie season are impressive, but it's clear they need to give him more chances to prove himself. I think the Bengals would be crazy to let him go without getting something in return ... unless they're planning on tanking the rest of the season and picking first overall , which is a pretty bleak outlook .

the bengals are having a major defense fail and it's like they're playing with injured players mckinnley jackson is just trying to break free from bench life and i feel him, dude needs some action on the field ️ but at this point, it's hard to see them making a big trade move they gotta hold out for a decent draft pick or else they're just gonna be stuck with another bench warmer

Man, what's going on with this Bengals defense? I mean, I get it, they're struggling and all, but trading away another player now is like asking for trouble . McKinnley Jackson might not have been getting much playing time, but you'd think he could've gotten some decent snaps at least. The fact that he's being asked to be traded is a big deal, especially considering how many players they're losing from their D-line this season .

I remember when the Bengals drafted him in '22, everyone thought he was gonna be that third-round gem . Now, it just seems like another failed draft pick. But you know what? I think the team should still make a move for Jackson's sake. If they can get something decent in the draft, it'd be a total win-win. They could be getting some much-needed depth and talent on their D-line . Fingers crossed, Bengals!

I'm literally torn about this situation ... Like, on one hand, I get why Jackson is frustrated - 6 out of 8 games without playing time? That's sketchy, even for a third-round pick ... But, on the other hand, I can see it from the Bengals' perspective too. They're already struggling, and if they can get rid of someone who isn't contributing much, that's gotta be a good thing ... I mean, what's the point in holding onto him just for the sake of having a third-round pick? ... But then again, what if Jackson just needs some time to adjust or something? ... And what about the draft picks? Are they really worth it if it means trading away a decent player like Jackson? Ugh, my mind is all over the place

I'm getting so frustrated with how the Bengals are handling their defense rn ! I mean, you'd think that with a 3-5 record, they'd want to make some changes. But nope, they're just letting players like Jackson get stuck on the bench. It's not like he's been benched for no reason - his stats from last season are fire ! I'm all for giving guys chances, but if you're gonna draft someone in the third round, that's what you expect to see out there. And now they're even considering letting him go? That just doesn't sit right with me .