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.
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? 
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 
... 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 
They need to figure out a way to get some consistent defense or else they'll be stuck in 3rd place forever 
.
. 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?
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?
. 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 
[gif: a picture of a player throwing in a football with a "trade me" stamp on it] 
[image: a graph showing a declining Bengals' defense] 
.
. He's got some solid stats from his rookie season too - 15 total tackles and a forced fumble 
. The team gets something decent in return, and Jackson gets a fresh start where he might actually see some playing time 
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 
, if they let him go now, they might regret not giving him more chances...
on social media and I gotta agree, it's a mess 
. 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 
.
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 
️
they gotta hold out for a decent draft pick 
or else they're just gonna be stuck with another bench warmer 
. 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