10
Loading video...
By Jordan Sigler
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The AFC North has two teams that have backed out of trade deals at the final moment in recent months.
The Baltimore Ravens put the Las Vegas Raiders in a precarious spot when they reneged on a trade deal for Maxx Crosby due to medical concerns. On Tuesday, the Cincinnati Bengals pulled out of a trade for edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie.
OverThe Cap's Nick Korte noted that the Bengals might have pulled the deal after considering that they stood to lose a compensatory third-round pick for Trey Hendrickson, who left for the Ravens in free agency (to help fill the spot that Crosby would have otherwise occupied).
Read More on NFL
Instead of facing up to the media himself on Wednesday, Bengals' director of player personnel and de facto general manager Duke Tobin put head coach Zac Taylor in an awkward spot during his news conference, asking Taylor to provide context for why Cincinnati backed out of the deal for Ebiketie. Taylor said he wasn't comfortable providing an answer, but would do as he was asked.
More news: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers
...
More News: Sigler’s Mount Rushmore of NFL GMs
"Duke was very explicit with me when he came and spoke to me about how he wanted this portrayed," Taylor said, via ESPN. "I'm not comfortable doing it, but I'm going to do what he asked.
"We did make an effort to put some depth in there in place of Cashius [Howell]. As we got into it, obviously it was going to be a little more costly than we initially anticipated. He's really apologetic about it and wants to make clear [that] Philly was a great trade partner. It was on our end."
The Bengals placed Howell on injured reserve following a wrist injury in Week 8 that required surgery.
Taylor said he was not aware of when Tobin figured out he made a miscalculation on losing the compensatory pick if he traded with the Eagles. The head coach said he has "faith" in how the Bengals front office operates.
"Certainly have a ton of confidence in our front office and how they do things," Taylor said. "They've given us the players that have allowed us to be 6-2 right now and playing at such a high level.
"We'll put that behind us and move forward and just get excited for this game on Sunday, and our locker room is in a great place right now."
The Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers will play on Sunday in a game that will decide who leads the AFC North.
For more on the Bengals and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines