The Cincinnati Bengals nearly acquired edge defender Arnold Ebiketie from the Philadelphia Eagles at the NFL trade deadline, but the deal collapsed after the team realized it would forfeit a compensatory 2027 third-round pick.
The Bengals had agreed to send a sixth-round pick for Ebiketie, who would have added depth with Cashius Howell on injured reserve. However, because Ebiketie was signed as a compensatory free agent, trading him in-season would have cost Cincinnati the third-round compensation they are owed for losing Trey Hendrickson.
Coach Zac Taylor addressed the situation Wednesday, saying the front office, led by director of personnel Duke Tobin, recognized the added cost and called off the trade. Taylor expressed confidence in the current roster, which has won four straight and sits at 6-2, tied atop the AFC North.
The Bengals ultimately made no in-season trades, while other AFC contenders such as the Jaguars, Chiefs, and Broncos were active. Taylor said the episode did not disrupt preparation for a crucial Week 10 Sunday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
