Three-team trades are rare in the NFL, but that didn't stop an analyst from proposing one recently.
In a unique scenario floated by Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report, he proposes a three-team trade between the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons.
The trade proposal sees the Bengals get tight end Kyle Pitts, the Falcons get defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, and the Colts get edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Due to a contract dispute, Hendrickson could be shopped around by the Bengals. One of the many teams that would likely jump at the opportunity to acquire Hendrickson is the Colts.
Hendrickson's two best years in Cincinnati came under new Colts defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo.
"The Indianapolis Colts need to make a call if that's the case. His emergence as an elite pass-rusher came under the supervision of coordinator Lou Anarumo, who is now on staff with the Colts. The first-team All-Pro's presence will allow Indy to reshape its defense,” Sobleski wrote.
If Hendrickson is traded, the Bengals would receive solid compensation for the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up.
In this trade, Pitts being sent to Cincinnati would add another weapon to the Bengals' already explosive offense.
“Pitts working in the same offense as Chase and Higgins to open up the middle of the field with Burrow throwing to him can be downright deadly, thus making the Bengals even more potent," Sobleski explained. "If he works out, he can replace Mike Gesicki, who turns 30 later this year.”
The final piece to this distinctive trade would be Buckner being shipped to the Atlanta Falcons. Buckner has been one of the best interior defensive lineman for many years.
The Falcons taking Jalon Walker in the first round and then trading back up to take James Pearce Jr. makes it clear that defensive line was a priority for the team.
After releasing Grady Jarrett earlier this offseason, Buckner would fit right in to take his place on the interior of the defensive line.
"The nine-year veteran can serve as the anchor to a group that will now feature first-rounders Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. flying off the edges. Buckner's ability to defend the run and collapse the pocket should be highly beneficial for those rookies," Sobleski added.
The Bengals definitely get the short end of the stick in this scenario. Hendrickson and Buckner’s production over their careers makes them valuable assets, while Pitts hasn't lived up to the hype a top-five pick would be expected to have.