Bengals need to deal for the top two players in the 2024 NFL offseason.

As the Cincinnati Bengals head into the 2024 NFL offseason, they want to strengthen their roster in order to provide a more formidable opponent. With a 9-8 record in 2023, they were just outside of the postseason picture. The group is therefore committed to making wise purchases that will raise their level of competition. It’s clear that the Bengals need to concentrate on trading for key players in order to address the areas that require improvement. In order to improve their chances of success in the very competitive NFL, the Bengals should target the top two players in this article through trades in the 2024 NFL offseason.

Bengals’ 2023 Season

The Bengals failed to improve on their outstanding 12–4 record from 2022. In Week 11, they suffered a significant blow when they lost 34–20 to division rivals the Baltimore Ravens. For the first time since 2020, a defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 also officially ended their hopes of making the playoffs.

The Bengals, who were off to a dismal 5–4 start, were dealt a serious blow in Week 11 when starting quarterback Joe Burrow broke his wrist. Still, backup Jake Browning performed better than expected. He led the Bengals to their third straight season of success. Notably, because he retired on July 7, this was the first season without Kevin Huber since 2008. The Bengals earned their ninth win of the season with a 31-14 victory over the Browns in the season finale. For the first time since 1935, every AFC North team ended above.500, making it a truly historic game.But the Bengals want to ensure that in 2024–2025, they will be back in the postseason.

Bengals’ 2023 Season

The Bengals were unable to build upon their impressive 12–4 record from 2022. They encountered a major setback with a 34–20 defeat to division rivals Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. A loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 also formally dashed their playoff aspirations for the first time since 2020.

Struggling with a 5–4 start, the Bengals suffered a significant setback in Week 11 when franchise quarterback Joe Burrow sustained a season-ending wrist injury. Nevertheless, backup Jake Browning exceeded expectations. He guided the Bengals to their third consecutive winning season. Notably, Kevin Huber’s absence marked the first season since 2008 without him, as he retired on July 7. A 31–14 victory over the Browns in the final game secured the Bengals’ ninth win of the season. That was quite historic as every AFC North team finished above .500 for the first time since 1935.

However, the Bengals want to make sure they will return to the playoffs in the 2024-25 season.

Offseason Considerations

The most interesting offseason concern for the Bengals is how they will handle the situation involving Tee Higgins. According to reports, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a contract renewal. This suggests that Higgins may not be included in the Bengals’ extended plans.

Even if things can change, using a tag-and-trade method is still an option. The Bengals have to think about whether to extend Ja’Marr Chase. Other clubs might be interested in Higgins in this situation if they are prepared to exchange a first-round pick for him.

Veteran defensive back TY Hilton is someone who may be very helpful to a lot of clubs. Hilton’s trade would also increase the Bengals’ cap room by $6.5 million. Yes, there aren’t many good trade opportunities. Nevertheless, the Bengals might adopt a win-now strategy by exchanging their first-round choice for an experienced player who can improve their output.

That being said, the Bengals are faced with an interesting salary cap situation. They had plenty of cap room at first. But Joe Burrow’s future financial obligations and the upcoming Chase extension highlight how crucial sound money management is for the squad.

Here, we’ll examine the top two players that the Cincinnati Bengals need to acquire in a trade during the NFL offseason of 2024.

DeForest Buckner, DT

The Bengals’ strategy of giving draft picks priority in prospective transactions fits with their track record of successfully selecting and developing players. Mostly on the defensive end, this is noteworthy. It goes without saying that sticking to this plan would improve their roster even more.

But if they decide to go with a veteran reinforcement, Indianapolis Colts player DeForest Buckner is a wise pick. By dealing him, the Colts may avoid paying the cap $20.3 million. The Bengals’ defensive line finds him to be an alluring target because of this. Beyond BJ Hill’s 4.5 sacks, Cincinnati’s interior pass-rush support was lacking in the prior season as they battled to handle the run. Buckner’s acquisition would give their defense star power. Besides, his Colts deal expires in just one year, and he has no assurances. This impliesextending him aligns well with the Bengals’ salary cap outlook for the next three years.

The Colts believe that dealing Buckner for draft selections will give them more cap flexibility. They may be able to extend Michael Pittman Jr. as a result throughout the offseason.Chukwuma Okorafor did indeed have difficulties in Pittsburgh. If Jonah Williams is unable to return, his background as a right tackle offers a good backup plan. Having spent just two seasons as the starting right tackle for the Steelers, he is only 26 years old. Okorafor gives the Steelers great trade potential, freeing up contract money and providing draft picks. On paper, this makes sense for both groups. The Steelers would receive $8.75 million in cap relief if they traded for Okorafor.

Okorafor’s track record as an offensive lineman, which includes 59 starts over six seasons, is indicative of steadiness and protection. The Bengals would play better all around with his addition. Getting someone similar to him indicates their commitment to being successful in the 2024 NFL season.

Looking Ahead

Certainly, the Bengals will have to make important choices during the 2024 NFL offseason. They aim to improve important areas of improvement and increase their competitiveness. By focusing on players like Chukwuma Okorafor and DeForest Buckner, they might strengthen their roster and set themselves up for future campaigns that are more successful.

The Bengals have to manage the pay cap delicately while keeping a close eye on the long-term development of their roster. That applies to both seeking experienced veterans and draft picks. The Bengals’ actions during the summer will determine their course in 2024. They hope that this will be their major year of recovery. Adding players to their squad would prepare them for what looks to be an exciting and important campaign.