The Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams and Indianapolis Colts are all gunning for Cincinnati Bengals defenders.
We know that because The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported it on Saturday.
She writes that the Lions, Rams and Colts have all made calls to the Bengals with interest in cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, and linebacker Logan Wilson.
However, Russini, who also included the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles as teams with interest in one or more of those players, adds that teams around the NFL believe the Bengals might stand pat.
Many teams, including the Rams, 49ers, Lions, Colts and Eagles, have called the Bengals on numerous players, including LB Logan Wilson, CB Cam Taylor-Britt and, of course, DE Trey Hendrickson. For now, some teams don’t believe Cincinnati has any real interest in moving its core pieces.
Taylor-Britt and Wilson have both fallen out of favor this season, with the former starters now being relegated to backup duty. Wilson specifically has reportedly requested a trade as a result of his demotion.
Hendrickson has been the center of trade rumors and speculation dating back to the offseason, when he became disgruntled over his contract situation and was given permission to seek a trade.
While all three are logical trade candidates, the Bengals are also holding out hope that they can keep the ship afloat with Joe Flacco until Joe Burrow returns around mid-December. However, one more loss on Sunday could change things, as Cincinnati would be 3-6 and in huge trouble in that scenario.
Russini didn't make it clear if all three teams have interest in all three players, but we can make educated guesses on who could want which ones.
The Lions have a need for more depth at edge rusher and cornerback but are rock-solid at linebacker. Cornerback is probably the biggest need, seeing as how D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold and their backups have all dealt with injuries, although Arnold is on the cusp of returning this week.
Detroit has done a good job getting after the quarterback even with their need at the position, so they might not opt to make a massive splash, especially considering how much Hendrickson will cost, both in terms of an extension and draft capital.
The Colts have also sported an effective pass-rush, but they lack a truly elite edge rusher and Hendrickson's connection to Lou Anarumo makes a trade for the star defender conceivable.
Wilson and Taylor-Britt both played under Anarumo, also, and the Colts have needs at both spots, with cornerback being the more dire situation thanks to the retirement of Xavien Howard and the injury to Charvarius Ward.
The Rams are pretty set along the edge, although general manager Les Snead would be hard-pressed to pass up on being able to acquire an elite edge rusher with the Rams' Super Bowl window still open.
Like the Colts, the Rams could use more help at linebacker, but cornerback figures to be the bigger need after Los Angeles lost Ahkello Witherspoon to a significant injury.
If the Bengals win on Sunday, we would say the chances of Cincinnati selling off players is nil. But if the Bengals fall to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, keep an eye on Taylor-Britt, Wilson and Hendrickson as Tuesday approaches.
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