PFF predicts the Bengals will likely trade defensive end Sam Hubbard this upcoming offseason to save cap space. According to Pro Football Focus, they believe it might be time for the Cincinnati Bengals to move on from Hubbard after spending his entire NFL career with them. Originally selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State product came into the league as arguably one of the best defensive ends coming out of the year’s draft. However, injuries have been catching up to him since 2020 after two promising seasons with the Bengals and the emergence of Trey Hendrickson.
Hubbard couldn’t match the production that Hendrickson put up this past 2024 campaign, so this should force the Bengals the trade him. Despite having one more year on his contract, the Bengals don’t have time to be patient as they have several stars on the roster, including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins awaiting a new deal. It’s going to be a rougher offseason after failing to make the playoffs for the first time in a while under the Joe Burrow era. While Hubbard will likely go on the trade block, he won’t be earning a long-term deal with a new team anytime soon.
He would need to prove it on a one-year deal which is easily attainable if he heads to a reliable roster. Once he recovers from his season-ending injury, he might have a lot of tank but never in his rookie prime days. When healthy, he put 398 total tackles, 38.5 sacks and 16 deflections.
PFF Predicts Bengals Could Trade Sam Hubbard – Could Revive Career With Saints, Chiefs
New Orleans Life
The New Orleans Saints might have to embrace a rebuilding offseason despite the denial from General Manager Mickey Loomis. They plan on bringing back quarterback Derek Carr for the 2025 campaign with a new head coach after the team fired Dennis Allen after going 0-7 midway through the disastrous season. Things are only going to get ugly in New Orleans this offseason as the team is cash-strapped which means they will release several veterans to save as much money as possible. Many of them include Chase Young and Cameron Jordan who have been an efficient pass-rushing duo that kept the New Orleans together like glue to give the Saints some temporary while battling a rough offense blueprint.
However, they could make a Sam Hubbard trade happen with the little amount of money they have. Since Hubbard is more of a liability, they could use that to their advantage in the worst way that might be worth it in the long term. Hubbard wouldn’t need to be spectacular but do enough in the defensive scheme to fill the gaps.
Shocking Trade Incoming?
No one should expect the Bengals to trade away one of their players to the Kansas City Chiefs. Given the history between the two, it is probably but there’s always a saying “Never Say Never.” However, at the right price, the Chiefs might be able to persuade the Bengals to trade him. Kansas City will have to embrace possibly losing Nick Bolton, Josh Uche and Justin Reid which would be a huge blow to the defense. While Hubbard isn’t explosive anymore, he could get a few stops and keep the defense on balance alongside defensive tackle Chris Jones.
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