INDIANAPOLIS – Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth sparked NFL rumors before the NFL Scouting Combine with a mega-trade proposal for his former team.
“Do whatever it takes to get Max Crosby,” Whitworth said on his “Fitz and Whit” podcast when discussing what the Bengals should do this offseason.
advertise
For the Bengals to land a player of Crosby’s caliber, they’ll need to be ready to make a big move, like giving up a future first-round pick and getting another major contract.
More: Bengals stand with Trae Hendrickson at NFL combine
So, is Cincinnati willing to make such a bold move?
Maxx Crosby trades opportunity to Bengals
Bengals fans shouldn’t get their hopes too high as it doesn’t seem realistic at the moment. Here’s what Bengals personnel director Duke Tobin had to say on the subject.
“We’re always looking to see if there’s an opportunity that we think is worth it,” Tobin said on Feb. 24. “You’ve got to give something up, and when you make big adjustments, you’re likely to miss opportunities. If we stay in baseball, it stays with you for a long time and keeps you in the dugout. We don’t want to be in the dugout. That’s not where we want to be.
advertise
“You don’t get big moves for free. Big moves require high compensation.”
The Bengals said they have proven they are fully on board with other decisions, such as paying top dollar for wide receivers Tee Higgins and Jamal Chase last season and making a rare mid-season trade for Joe Flacco.
Bengals draft pick trade history
Cincinnati places a premium on draft picks. Bengals owner Mike Brown and Tobin believe in building through the draft, and giving up a first-round pick isn’t something they do often.
“It’s got to be worth it … we’re not going to ignore the opportunity that’s available,” Tobin said. “There’s a lot of opportunity out there and I think the offseason is a time to build your football team from the ground up. That’s what we’re going to try to do this offseason.”
advertise
In the NFL, you can never say never. Crazy things happen all the time.
Tobin’s reaction makes it hard to believe the Bengals would be inclined to give up a first-round pick or make the move fans are clamoring for.
Bengals’ 2026 cap space
Tobin believes they can be a contender again in 2026 given their available cap space this year and having the No. 10 pick. Cincinnati ranks seventh in the NFL with $53 million in cap space.
“We’re excited about our offense this offseason,” Tobin said. “We have the resources to make a big offensive push in the offseason, and we want to do that.”
advertise
That’s exactly what they’ll try to do, starting with a big week in Indianapolis. The Bengals must seize their free agent signing opportunities and draft more players who can make an immediate impact.
They believe they can achieve it all without mortgaging their future.
“We strive to put together the best roster every year and this year is no different,” Tobin said.
This article originally appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer: Maxx Crosby on 2026 NFL scouting combine trade rumors for Bengals