NFL Rumors: Bengals Trading John Ross? Why Cincinnati Could Move On From Former First-Rounder

The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into the 2019 offseason with a new head coach for the first time in 16 years, but plenty more changes could be coming. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that the Bengals are apparently looking to trade wide receiver John Ross.

The former Washington Huskies star was the ninth overall pick in the NFL Draft just two years ago.

The reasons why the Bengals want to move on from Ross are fairly obvious. After missing most of his rookie year with injuries, he recorded only 21 catches for 210 yards in 2018. He showed flashes of the talent that made him a top-10 pick at times; of his 21 catches, a staggering seven of them went for touchdowns.

Still, the Bengals may not be satisfied with that level of production. After the Oakland Raiders got a first-round pick for Amari Cooper last year, the Bengals might feel they can get assets for an impending rebuild by dealing away Ross.

The main difference is that Cooper had multiple 1,000 yard seasons under his belt by the time the Raiders were done with him. Ross has yet to accomplish much in the NFL, but his age and potential could be alluring to a team in need of a downfield threat. He was drafted so high in part because of an impressive performance the NFL combine, during which he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.22 seconds.

Cincinnati might have a hard time getting more than a mid-round pick for Ross. At least a few teams might be interested, based on his ability and contract. He is signed for two more years and his cap hits will be minuscule wherever he plays. Teams in need of receiver help include the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints, among others.

His low cap hit and the possibility of improvement might incentivize the Bengals to keep him, given their current circumstances. Starting receivers A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd both become free agents after 2019.