NFL Rumors: Another Bengals Player Requests Trade; 3rd To Do So

October 31, 2025

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor walks off the field during 2025 game.

Another shakeup is brewing in the Cincinnati Bengals locker room. 

According to ESPN’s Ben Baby, defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson has requested a trade or release from the team, making him the third defensive player to do so before next week’s NFL trade deadline. 

Jackson, a 2024 third-round pick out of Texas A&M, has seen limited playing time this season, appearing in just one game and logging six defensive snaps during a Week 5 loss to the Detroit Lions.

The 22-year-old began his rookie season on injured reserve with a knee injury but returned to play in 13 games, recording 15 tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. 

Under new defensive coordinator Al Golden, however, Jackson has struggled to earn a role in the rotation, being a healthy scratch in six of the Bengals’ first eight games this year.

Bengals Defensive Exodus Continues

Jackson’s trade request follows linebacker Logan Wilson’s own trade demand last week and Mike Pennel’s release via non-injury settlement earlier this week before joining the Kansas City Chiefs. The defensive shakeup comes amid the Bengals’ 3-5 start and a major coaching transition after Golden replaced former coordinator Lou Anarumo.

Despite his limited playing time, Golden previously said Jackson had the tools to contribute, citing his “power and strength.” Whether the Bengals can find a trade partner remains to be seen, but with multiple veterans unhappy, Cincinnati faces mounting pressure to stabilize its defense. 

The team will try to regroup ahead of Sunday’s home matchup against the Chicago Bears, hoping to halt a skid that’s threatening their playoff hopes.

Photo Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

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