With 3 wins out of 8 games, the Bengals aren’t looking like the team that can make the playoffs this season. Although that isn’t a worse record, Joe Burrow’s Bengals currently find themselves third in their division. And above them, the Ravens and the Steelers aren’t looking like the teams that would fumble their spots in the remaining weeks. This has called for urgent measures in Cincinnati as they are looking to break their 52-year-old tradition.

As reported by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, they are looking for a cornerback and a defensive lineman to bolster their defense. Right now, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is the only identifiable threat on their defense. Over the five games he played on that defense, Hendrickson has racked up 14 tackles alongside 4 sacks.

And the Bengals’ defense has continued to regress under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Before their Eagles clash that ended in a 37-17 loss, the Bengals found themselves 27th for red zone efficiency. While sitting in 29th for their goal-to-go efficiency, even Anarumo spoke about putting more emphasis on their defensive plays, “We just got to focus in more on what we’re doing. How we’re doing it, and maybe clean it up a little bit more for the guys so it’s a little bit easier.”

Well, those aren’t the only stats that show Cincinnati’s glaring defensive holes. Occupying 27th in third downs, they have allowed the second-most goal-to-go drives this season. This could be one of the reasons behind them looking for an elite CB and defensive lineman before the trade window slams shut on November 5.

You would have to go back to 2020, the last time they decided to trade one of their players. Trading for offensive guard B.J. Finney and a seventh-round draft pick in 2020, the Bengals sent pass rusher Carlos Dunlap to Seattle. As the Bengals look to add some protection to their backline before the trade deadline, they are reportedly staying put on WR Tee Higgins.

Tee Higgins set to stay in Cincinnati

Although there are possible rumors of Tee Higgins moving away from the Bengals, his importance to the team cannot be questioned. Over the five games he has played this season, the Bengals are 3-2. Meanwhile, whenever he has missed, the Bengals are 0-3 without him. Take, for example, their week 8 clash against the Eagles, which Higgins missed because of a quad injury.

Well, he is also doubtful for their next clash against the Raiders on Sunday. However, for the five games he has played this season, Higgins has racked up 29 receptions for 341 yards alongside 3 TDs. He has been one of Joe Burrow‘s favorite targets in Cincinnati for the first three seasons. Him averaging 72 catches for 1,009 yards and six TDs in the first three seasons showcases his capability on the offense. Even Dianna Russini remains adamant that Higgins is not going anywhere else this season.

Higgins being subjected to trade rumors comes on the back of his desire to get a long-term contract. Although he has since agreed on a franchise tender, Higgins is set to enter unrestricted free agency at the end of this season. With him staying put on that offense alongside Burrow, the Bengals only need to take care of their defense. Then, being able to add some players into the backline would surely increase their chances of making it to the postseason.