Bengals take responsibility for botched NFL trade with Eagles: ‘It was on our end’

The Bengals have publicly taken responsibility for the trade that fell apart with the Eagles. According to reports, Cincinnati’s front office miscalculated the compensatory pick cost that would come from acquiring edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie. The trade, originally agreed to swap a sixth‑round pick for Ebiketie, would have cost the Bengals the 2027 third‑round compensatory pick that was already slated for the team because of the loss of Trey Hendrickson.

When a compensatory‑picks expert tweeted about the steep price, the Bengals ultimately walked away. The organization did not issue a statement; instead, head coach Zac Taylor spoke on behalf of general manager Duke Tobin. “I’m not comfortable doing it, but I’m going to do what he asked,” Taylor said, adding that Tobin was “really apologetic” and wanted to emphasize that Philadelphia had been a good trade partner. The coach reiterated that the failure was on Cincinnati’s side and that the team would move forward.

The move came at a time when the Bengals sit atop the AFC North at 6‑2, and the loss of a potential depth player has been dismissed as a minor setback. Despite the trade’s collapse, the Bengals remain focused on their playoff push and on securing the No. 1 seed. The organization’s confidence in its front office and players remains intact, as highlighted by Taylor’s comments about the team’s locker room morale and future prospects.

Source: Bengals take responsibility for botched NFL trade with Eagles: ‘It was on our end’