Bengals’ reported trade interest in Cincinnati-born starter sparks a major question with two key players of their own
The Cincinnati Bengals are one of three teams that have been fielding calls with the Green Bay Packers about the availability of starting cornerback Carrington Valentine, per a report from Easton Butler. This isn’t the Bengals showing potential trade interest in a depth piece. It’s much more than that.
The Cincinnati Bengals are one of three teams that have been fielding calls with the Green Bay Packers about the availability of starting cornerback Carrington Valentine, per a report from Easton Butler.
Carrington, who’s played all three of his NFL seasons with the Packers, is a Cincinnati native who played high school football at Archbishop Moeller High School before starring at the University of Kentucky. Green Bay then selected Valentine in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and has started him in 30 games since. He’s established as a key player in the Packers’ secondary.
This isn’t the Bengals showing potential trade interest in a depth piece. It’s much more than that.
Are the Bengals looking at cornerback contingencies?
Valentine is a starting outside corner who’s been developing for three years. He’s also eligible for a new contract as he’s scheduled to hit free agency next offseason.
The description matches what Cincinnati currently has atop its CB depth chart.
DJ Turner II and Dax Hill are each entering contract seasons. The Bengals have touted both players this offseason as pieces they want to build around and keep for the long-term. There have been no recent updates regarding extension talks for either one.
Trading for Valentine would presumably disrupt what Cincy has going on in its defensive backfield. Turner and Hill are both outside CBs and have been exclusively practicing at their respective spots.
If the Bengals are interested in trading for Valentine, it begs the question if they’re looking to replace one of Turner or Hill now instead of next March in free agency. I don’t think the Packers would be willing to part ways with a starting CB without getting one in return, and the only reason for doing so would be to either land an upgrade, or a replacement they’d rather extend.
As for Cincinnati, does the front office believe a player like Valentine would be easier to extend compared to either Turner or Hill? Valentine playing on a seventh-round pick’s contract and his connection to the Queen City could make that the case.
Factoring in recent trade precedent
The last time the Bengals traded for a player right before the season on an expiring deal was defensive tackle B.J. Hill in 2021. Hill was also viewed as expendable by the New York Giants, and their need for interior offensive line help had them accepting center and former first-round pick Billy Price. He had a productive season that year, and the Bengals took care of him the following offseason with his first veteran contract, a three-year, $30 million deal.
The difference between trading for Hill and trading for Valentine is Hill was acquired as a rotational piece, not a full-blown starter. It’s far less conventional to rotate CBs compared to DTs. Hill became another piece of the puzzle rather than a replacement for anyone immediately.
Unless Green Bay suddenly now views Valentine as a backup instead of a starter, and that’s the price Cincinnati is looking to pay, trading for the 24-year-old would be notably different.
What to expect next for the Bengals
I can see why the Bengals would be intrigued with Valentine. He could be a more affordable, long-term starter at a position that may face significant turnover in seven months. All options are on the table after the Dexter Lawrence trade as well. If Cincy can go there, it can go practically anywhere.
But I think this trade is unlikely to happen. If Valentine weren’t a starter, the Bengals would likely have an easier time finagling a B.J. Hill-like deal for him.
I still expect one of Turner or Hill to sign an extension before the regular season begins, and third-round pick Tacario Davis to replace the one who leaves.
This likely turns into nothing, but Cincinnati’s reported(!) interest is noteworthy for the future of the cornerback position.
