Bengals Defensive Tackle Requests Trade Amid Team Changes

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle requested a trade or release on Thursday, according to a source who spoke to ESPN.

This move makes Jackson the third defensive player in recent weeks to seek a transfer. A third-round pick in the 2024 draft, Jackson has been a healthy scratch for six of the Bengals’ first eight games this season. He participated in just six defensive snaps during a Week 5 loss.

Last season, Jackson started on injured reserve due to a knee injury sustained during training camp but made an impact later, playing in 13 games and starting in one. He recorded 15 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.

Jackson’s trade request follows a trend among his teammates. Bengals linebacker also requested a trade, reported by ESPN on Oct. 23. This week, the team and another defensive tackle reached a non-injury settlement, resulting in his release. He was quickly signed by another team.

During the offseason, the Bengals underwent significant changes to their defensive staff. Coordinator Lou Anarumo was replaced by Al Golden, who previously coached linebackers for the team from 2020 to 2021. Since this coaching change, Jackson’s playing time has decreased.

“He’s got power, he’s got knee bend, he’s got strength,” Golden said on Oct. 17. “I would love at some point for that to translate for us and get him going. So he’s on that journey right now, and he knows what he needs to do.”