Cincinnati Bengals
Trade grades, verdicts, asset movement, and historical context for Cincinnati Bengals franchise trades.
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Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals acquired Dexter Lawrence, one of football's premier interior defenders, for the No. 10 pick used on Francis Mauigoa. Cincinnati receives the stronger current grade because Lawrence is a proven game-changing player at the center of the defense, while New York's return depends on Mauigoa becoming a high-level long-term tackle. The Giants still secured a premium, cost-controlled prospect at an important position, keeping the deal from qualifying as a fleece.
Cleveland Browns acquired 2026 5th round pick (149th overall, Justin Jefferson) from Cincinnati Bengals for Joe Flacco and 2026 6th round pick (199th overall subsequently traded, Emmanuel Henderson). The available record does not show enough separation to call a clear long-term winner.
Kansas City moved up three spots in the 2023 third round for tackle Wanya Morris, sending Cincinnati pick No. 95 and a sixth-rounder. Morris supplied 16 starts across three Chiefs seasons, but the Bengals used No. 95 on safety Jordan Battle, who became a full-time starter and recorded four interceptions and 125 tackles in 2025. Cincinnati also received the extra pick, creating the stronger return.
Buffalo moved down from No. 60 to No. 63 in 2022, receiving pick 209 and selecting James Cook. Cincinnati moved up for cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt. Cook has become a three-time Pro Bowler, won the 2025 NFL rushing title with 1,621 yards and earned second-team All-Pro honors. Taylor-Britt has supplied several seasons of starting corner play, but Cook's elite production and long-term extension make Buffalo the clear winner.
Cincinnati acquired defensive tackle B.J. Hill and a conditional 2022 seventh-round pick from the Giants for center Billy Price. The draft component later became pick No. 226 after subsequent movement. The recorded outcome favors the Cincinnati Bengals side only to the degree reflected by the grades, with the long-term result driven by what the acquired players and picks actually produced.
New England sent picks 46, 122 and 139 to Cincinnati to move up to No. 38 for Christian Barmore. Barmore has 15.5 sacks through five seasons, including an 8.5-sack breakout in 2023, and returned to start 16 games in 2025 after a serious medical issue limited 2024. Cincinnati's Jackson Carman, Tyler Shelvin and D'Ante Smith never produced comparable long-term value. The Patriots turned a three-for-one move into the only clear impact player.
Cincinnati Bengals acquired 2021 6th round pick (202nd overall, Chris Evans) from Houston Texans for Ryan Finley and 2021 7th round pick (233rd overall subsequently traded, Jake Funk). Cincinnati Bengals received the stronger recorded football value, matching the Cincinnati Bengals Win verdict.
Seattle acquired Carlos Dunlap from Cincinnati for lineman B.J. Finney and a 2021 seventh-round pick. Dunlap immediately helped revive the Seahawks' pass rush, posting five sacks after the trade and 8.5 more in 2021 for 13.5 sacks across 25 games. Cincinnati received little from Finney and used the pick on Wyatt Hubert, who never played after a pectoral injury and later retired. Seattle won decisively at a very small cost.
Denver Broncos acquired Austin Calitro from Cincinnati Bengals for Christian Covington. The recorded return stays close enough for an Even Trade verdict.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati sent picks No. 149 and No. 213 to Dallas to move up for guard Michael Jordan at No. 136. Jordan made starts during two Bengals seasons but did not become a long-term fixture. Dallas used No. 213 on Donovan Wilson and later turned No. 149 into additional draft capital, giving the Cowboys a multiyear starting safety and the stronger overall return.
San Francisco 49ers acquired 2019 4th round pick (110th overall, Mitch Wishnowsky) and 2019 6th round pick (183rd overall, Justin Skule) from Cincinnati Bengals for 2019 4th round pick (104th overall, Ryan Finley). San Francisco 49ers received the stronger recorded football value, matching the San Francisco 49ers Win verdict.
Denver traded picks No. 52, No. 125 and No. 182 to Cincinnati to move up to No. 42 for quarterback Drew Lock. Lock started 21 games for the Broncos but never secured the franchise job and later became part of the Russell Wilson trade. Cincinnati turned the return into Drew Sample, Renell Wren and Trayveon Williams, getting longer aggregate service despite no star outcome.
Kansas City moved from No. 54 to No. 46 and also received No. 100, while Cincinnati received picks No. 54 and No. 78 in the 2018 draft. Cincinnati converted the move down into Jessie Bates III and Malik Jefferson, while Kansas City selected Breeland Speaks at No. 46 and Dorian O'Daniel at No. 100. Bates became an elite safety and a foundational defender during his Bengals tenure; Speaks never became a regular Chiefs contributor. That gap makes this one of the clearest wins in the wave.
Buffalo traded Cordy Glenn, pick No. 21 and a fifth-rounder to Cincinnati for No. 12 and a sixth-round pick. The move cleared Glenn’s contract and, more importantly, moved the Bills into position to make their later jump to No. 7 for Josh Allen. Cincinnati gained a starting left tackle and selected Billy Price at No. 21, but neither became a long-term foundation piece. Buffalo’s draft-board leverage proved far more valuable in hindsight.
Dallas acquired cornerback Bene Benwikere from Cincinnati for a conditional 2019 sixth-round pick that ultimately conveyed at No. 198. Benwikere appeared in 12 games for the Cowboys in 2017 but did not start and recorded only two tackles. Cincinnati later included No. 198 in the package used to move up for quarterback Ryan Finley, giving the Bengals modest but more durable draft flexibility from a player they were willing to move.
Cincinnati traded linebacker Marquis Flowers to New England at the end of the 2017 preseason for a 2018 seventh-round pick. Flowers immediately became a useful Patriots reserve, playing all 16 games and recording 3.5 sacks before contributing during the team's run to Super Bowl LII. Cincinnati used pick No. 249 on quarterback Logan Woodside, but he never appeared in a regular-season game for the Bengals.
Tennessee received the picks used on Corey Levin and Josh Carraway, while Cincinnati moved up for Brandon Wilson. The late-round value stayed close enough for an Even Trade.
Minnesota moved from No. 48 to No. 41 in the 2017 second round for Dalvin Cook, sending Cincinnati pick No. 48 and No. 128. Cook became a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the Vikings' most productive modern running backs. Cincinnati selected Joe Mixon at No. 48, and Mixon produced seven strong seasons, a Pro Bowl campaign and major postseason contributions. Both teams found foundational offensive value.
New England moved from No. 27 to No. 21 for Chandler Jones, giving Cincinnati the No. 93 pick as the premium. Jones produced 36 sacks in four Patriots seasons and contributed to the Super Bowl XLIX championship before being traded in 2016. The return from that later trade helped New England acquire Joe Thuney and Malcolm Mitchell. Cincinnati still landed long-term starting guard Kevin Zeitler plus Brandon Thompson, making this a rare draft trade with major value on both sides.
Cincinnati traded linebacker Keith Rivers to the Giants for pick No. 167 and used it on safety George Iloka. Rivers gave New York two seasons of part-time starting work before leaving in free agency. Iloka became a six-year Bengals starter, appearing in 93 games for Cincinnati and anchoring the back end of several playoff defenses. Turning a player Cincinnati was ready to move into a durable starter makes this a clear Bengals win.
New York Giants acquired Keith Rivers from Cincinnati Bengals for 2012 5th round pick (167th overall, George Iloka). New York Giants received the stronger recorded football value, matching the New York Giants Win verdict.
Cincinnati turned an absent Carson Palmer into a 2012 first-round pick that became Dre Kirkpatrick and a 2013 second-round pick that became Giovani Bernard. The Raiders were desperate after Jason Campbell's injury and paid a premium for a quarterback who gave them short-term competence but no real contention. The Bengals extracted major value from a player who had already threatened retirement rather than return.
San Francisco 49ers acquired 2013 7th round pick (227th overall subsequently traded, Garrett Gilkey) from Cincinnati Bengals for Taylor Mays. The available record does not show enough separation to call a clear long-term winner.
Cincinnati traded veteran receiver Chad Johnson to New England in 2011 for fifth- and sixth-round picks that became Marvin Jones and Cobi Hamilton. Johnson caught only 15 passes for 276 yards and one touchdown in his lone Patriots season before being released. Jones developed into a productive starting receiver for Cincinnati and later enjoyed a long NFL career. The Bengals turned an aging star into a younger impact player and won decisively.
Jacksonville Jaguars acquired David Jones from Cincinnati Bengals for Reggie Nelson. The overall result favors Cincinnati Bengals over Jacksonville Jaguars.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati acquired running back and fullback Brian Leonard from St. Louis for defensive tackle Orien Harris. Leonard became a four-year Bengals role player, contributing on third downs and catching 72 passes while averaging 4.3 yards on 53 carries through his first three Cincinnati seasons. Harris lasted only briefly with the Rams and was traded to Detroit that July. Cincinnati received the clearly more durable contribution.
Los Angeles Rams acquired an undisclosed 2007 draft pick from Cincinnati Bengals for Ryan Fitzpatrick. The overall result favors Cincinnati Bengals over Los Angeles Rams.
Cincinnati moved quarterback Dave Ragone to St. Louis for a conditional 2007 late-round selection, but the condition required Ragone to make the Rams' roster and the pick never conveyed. With no draft choice transferred and no regular-season contribution from Ragone, the exchange is best treated as a roster-management move rather than a meaningful talent transfer.
The Rams moved from No. 26 to No. 24 in the 2004 draft and selected Steven Jackson, sending Cincinnati the 26th pick and No. 123. Jackson became the Rams' franchise rushing leader with 10,138 yards during his nine seasons with the club. Cincinnati selected Chris Perry and Stacy Andrews, who provided some value but never approached Jackson's impact. A small move up produced a franchise cornerstone for St. Louis.
Cincinnati traded Corey Dillon to New England for the 56th pick and selected safety Madieu Williams. Williams became an immediate starter, recorded three interceptions as a rookie and spent four productive seasons with the Bengals. The return was legitimate, especially after Dillon's relationship with Cincinnati had deteriorated, but the player Cincinnati surrendered immediately became the centerpiece of a Super Bowl champion's rushing attack.
Cincinnati moved down from No. 17 to No. 24 in the 2004 draft and added cornerback Deltha O'Neal plus the 117th pick, while Denver moved up for linebacker D.J. Williams. Williams became a long-term Broncos starter, but Cincinnati received a Pro Bowl season from O'Neal, 11 years from Robert Geathers, and additional value by later moving pick No. 24. The Bengals' broader package wins a strong trade for both sides.
Cincinnati traded running back Curtis Keaton to New Orleans in 2002 and received a 2003 fourth-round pick that became fullback Jeremi Johnson at No. 118. Keaton appeared in six games for the Saints and carried only 12 times for 19 yards. Johnson became a durable Bengals regular, playing 96 games over seven seasons. Cincinnati converted a fringe player into years of useful starting-caliber backfield work and clearly won the exchange.
Carolina moved down six spots in the third round of the 2002 draft, sending No. 67 to Cincinnati for Nos. 73 and 145. The Bengals selected tight end Matt Schobel, who became a useful NFL player. Carolina used No. 73 on linebacker Will Witherspoon, who developed into a long-term starter and one of the best players from this portion of the draft. That high-end hit gives the Panthers the advantage.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati acquired quarterback Paul Justin from Indianapolis for a fifth-round pick in March 1998. Justin appeared in five games with three starts for the Bengals, throwing for 426 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Indianapolis used the 135th pick on linebacker Antony Jordan, who played 27 NFL games and made three starts. Both sides received modest depth value without a lasting starter.
Cincinnati traded defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson to Washington in February 1998 for the 17th and 78th picks. The Bengals selected linebacker Brian Simmons and guard Mike Goff, both long-term starters, while Wilkinson gave Washington several solid seasons in the middle of its defensive line. Washington received a useful veteran, but Cincinnati turned one player into two durable building blocks and wins the trade in hindsight.
The Ki-Jana Carter trade-up became a brutal Bengals draft miss and a major early win for the expansion Panthers. Cincinnati moved up to No. 1 overall for Carter, while Carolina gained premium value by moving down. Carter's career was derailed almost immediately, leaving the Panthers with the clear trade victory. It remains a priority indexing page because Carter's trade-up is still a defining Bengals draft regret.
Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Raiders completed this exchange on 1993-07-16. Dixon appeared in only two regular-season games for the Raiders in 1993 before knee trouble interrupted his season. There is little reason to force a winner. Following the acquired picks only through moves actually made by the receiving clubs, the overall result is Even Trade.
Cincinnati traded picks No. 4 and No. 58 to Washington for Nos. 6, 28 and 84 in the 1992 draft. The Bengals selected David Klingler, Darryl Williams and Leonard Wheeler, while Washington took Desmond Howard at No. 4 and quickly moved No. 58 to Dallas. Klingler's failure as Cincinnati's hoped-for franchise quarterback outweighed the useful Williams selection, leaving Washington with the better side.
Cincinnati and Tampa Bay completed a straight player swap on September 1, 1990: the Bengals acquired cornerback Rod Jones, while the Buccaneers received defensive end Jim Skow. Jones immediately contributed in Cincinnati's secondary and later became a regular starter, while Skow gave Tampa a veteran defensive lineman. The returns were useful but not dramatically different, supporting an Even Trade verdict.
The Jets traded the rights to unsigned second-round receiver Reggie Rembert to Cincinnati on August 27, 1990, for linebacker Joe Kelly and tackle Scott Jones. New York turned a contract impasse into two veteran players, while Cincinnati acquired the prospect it wanted. None of the three produced enough sustained value for the receiving club to create a decisive gap, leaving the trade even.
Cincinnati Bengals acquired Carl Carter from Arizona Cardinals for Chris Chenault. The available record does not show enough separation to call a clear long-term winner.
Cincinnati Bengals
Atlanta moved from No. 35 to No. 27 in the 1989 draft and selected receiver Shawn Collins, sending Cincinnati the 35th, 89th and 256th selections. Collins flashed as a rookie and finished with 98 career catches for 1,433 yards, while Eric Ball became the most useful Bengal from the return. Neither side generated enough lasting impact to create a clear winner.
Cincinnati Bengals received Jeff Hayes from Washington for cash (undisclosed amount). The recorded outcome favors Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals received conditional eleventh or twelfth round pick (if Collins makes Packers roster) (not exercised) from Green Bay Packers for Glen Collins. The recorded outcome favors Green Bay Packers.
Atlanta acquired quarterback Turk Schonert from Cincinnati on April 2, 1986, sending the Bengals a 1986 third-round pick that became defensive lineman Jim Skow at No. 58. Schonert gave the Falcons five starts and modest production that season. Skow became a multi-year Cincinnati starter and recorded his best sack season during the Bengals’ 1988 Super Bowl run, giving Cincinnati the stronger return.
Cincinnati sent veteran lineman Mike Obrovac to Green Bay on September 4, 1985, for a future draft choice that became No. 294 in the 1986 draft. The Bengals used the eleventh-round selection on linebacker Tom Flaherty. Obrovac never played a regular-season game for Green Bay, while Flaherty appeared in only three NFL games, leaving little lasting separation.
Cincinnati Bengals received conditional draft pick (if Verser makes Packers roster) (not exercised) from Green Bay Packers for David Verser. The recorded outcome favors Green Bay Packers.
Miami Dolphins acquired Bryan Clark from Cincinnati Bengals for 1986 conditional pick (if Clark makes Dolphins roster) (not exercised). The available record does not show enough separation to call a clear long-term winner.
Denver acquired the rights to unsigned first-round linebacker Ricky Hunley from Cincinnati on October 9, 1984 for a package of future draft choices. Hunley became a useful Broncos starter, but Cincinnati’s return was enormous: the picks ultimately produced wide receiver Tim McGee and three-time Pro Bowl safety David Fulcher, plus another selection. The Bengals created far more long-term value.
Atlanta Falcons acquired Gary Burley from Cincinnati Bengals for 1985 seventh round pick (#172-Kim Locklin). The available record does not show enough separation to call a clear long-term winner.
Cincinnati Bengals received 1985 sixth round pick (#148-Eric Stokes (R.)) and undisclosed draft pick from Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Don Swafford. The recorded outcome favors Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Los Angeles Rams acquired Jeff Christensen from Cincinnati Bengals for undisclosed conditional pick (if Christensen makes Rams roster) (not exercised). The available record does not show enough separation to call a clear long-term winner.
Cincinnati acquired James Brooks from San Diego for Pete Johnson on May 29, 1984. Brooks became a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the most productive running backs in Bengals history, while Johnson appeared in only three games for the Chargers before finishing the season in Miami. The enormous difference in longevity and impact makes this a signature Bengals win.
Cincinnati sent the No. 1 pick in the 1984 draft to New England and received first-rounders No. 16 and No. 28, a tenth-rounder and a 1985 fifth. The Bengals landed Pete Koch and long-time lineman Brian Blados, while New England selected Irving Fryar first overall. Fryar's lengthy, high-end career gives the Patriots the win, but Cincinnati's haul had real value.
Cincinnati traded quarterback Jack Thompson to Tampa Bay in June 1983 for the Buccaneers' 1984 first-round pick. That selection became No. 1 overall, and the Bengals later dealt it to New England for a package including first-rounders Pete Koch and Brian Blados. Thompson started 13 games in 1983 but faded quickly, leaving Cincinnati with the much stronger long-term asset.
Cincinnati sent veteran tight end Don Bass to New Orleans in August 1982 and received the Saints' 1983 sixth-round choice. New Orleans got only three regular-season games from Bass. Cincinnati used No. 152 on linebacker Kiki DeAyala, who later played 28 games with two starts for the Bengals. The return was modest, but it clearly exceeded the Saints' brief payoff from Bass.
Cincinnati Bengals acquired Mel Lunsford from New England Patriots for cash and a conditional draft pick tied to Lunsford making the Bengals roster. The pick was not exercised, and the overall result favors Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati sent Greg Fairchild to the New York Giants on August 1, 1980 for a conditional draft choice that would have been owed only if Fairchild made the Giants' roster. He did not make the regular-season roster, so the condition was not met and the pick was never exercised. With New York receiving no regular-season contribution and Cincinnati receiving no draft asset, the transaction produced no realized advantage for either club and belongs as an Even Trade.
San Francisco acquired Scott Perry from Cincinnati for a 1981 ninth-round pick. Perry gave the 49ers the stronger realized football value, making this a modest San Francisco win.
Cincinnati Bengals
San Francisco 49ers received Lenvil Elliott from Cincinnati Bengals for first rights to Bengals players placed on waivers. Because the available record does not fully identify the consideration, the existing Even Trade verdict remains the most defensible treatment.
Washington Commanders acquired Dennis Law from Cincinnati Bengals for undisclosed draft pick (not exercised). Washington Commanders received the stronger recorded football value, matching the Washington Commanders Win verdict.
San Francisco 49ers acquired Melvin Morgan from Cincinnati Bengals for 1980 seventh round pick (#167-Ron Simpkins). The overall result favors Cincinnati Bengals over San Francisco 49ers.
Cincinnati received the 1980 sixth-round selection that became Andrew Melontree at No. 159. The pick supplied a real draft asset, but Melontree did not create enough NFL value to make the Bengals' return stand out. The longer view produces a C+ grade for Cincinnati Bengals. Tampa Bay gets a B and Cincinnati a C+.
Chicago acquired tight end Mike Cobb. Cobb played 49 games for the Bears from 1978 through 1981 and made 19 starts, giving Chicago several seasons of useful offensive and blocking work. The longer view produces a B grade for Chicago Bears. Chicago gets a B and Cincinnati a C+.
Cincinnati sent linebacker Ron Pritchard to Oakland with the return conditioned on Pritchard making the Raiders roster. The condition was not satisfied, so the Bengals did not receive a draft choice or another realized asset from the transaction. The hindsight grade is C, with the overall verdict recorded as Even Trade.
Cincinnati sent Lemar Parrish and Coy Bacon to Washington for a 1979 first-round pick, which became No. 12 overall and running back Charles Alexander. Alexander spent seven seasons with the Bengals and accumulated more than 2,600 rushing yards, giving Cincinnati meaningful value. The return still fell short of the immediate two-veteran impact Washington received.
St. Louis acquired defensive back Carl Allen from Cincinnati for a future eleventh-round pick, which the Bengals used at No. 293 on Calvin Prince. Allen became a long-term Cardinals starter, appearing in 79 games with 57 starts and 16 interceptions from 1977 through 1982. That sustained secondary value makes the Cardinals the clear winner.
Denver acquired safety Bernard Jackson from Cincinnati for 1978 third- and seventh-round selections. Jackson became a multi-year Broncos starter, appearing in 46 games with 42 starts during his Denver tenure. Cincinnati used the third-rounder on Don Bass, who developed into a productive receiver, while the seventh-rounder became Danny Bass. Both sides gained value, but Denver's starting defensive return earns a narrow edge.
Cincinnati sent veteran receiver Chip Myers to San Diego for an eleventh-round pick that became No. 292 Joel Parrish. Parrish did not develop into an NFL contributor for the Bengals, while Myers did not provide the Chargers with a lasting regular-season return. With neither club realizing meaningful on-field value, the exchange finishes as an Even Trade.
Cincinnati sent running back Charlie Davis to expansion Tampa Bay for a future fourth-round choice, which became No. 85 Rick Walker in 1977. Walker developed into a long NFL career and later became a regular starter in Washington, while Davis' Tampa Bay stay lasted only the 1976 season. The Bengals clearly obtained the more durable asset.
Cincinnati Bengals received future considerations (details not identified) from Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Essex Johnson. The recorded outcome favors Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Buffalo acquired defensive end Sherman White and got eight seasons of durable starting play, so this was a strong Bills transaction on its own terms. Cincinnati received Buffalo's 1977 first-round pick and selected Eddie Edwards at No. 3. Edwards became an even longer-tenured defensive-line fixture, playing 170 games with 84.5 career sacks. The Bengals win narrowly because their return was more impactful and durable.
St. Louis acquired linebacker Al Beauchamp from Cincinnati in June 1976 and surrendered a future fourth-round choice. Beauchamp appeared in all 14 games for the Cardinals that season but did not start, while the eventual Bengals selection, Jerry Anderson, produced only a brief NFL stay. Neither return became substantial enough to separate the clubs.
Cincinnati sent Minnesota the rights to Orlando Nelson for a 1977 seventh-round choice. The Bengals used the pick at No. 194 on tight end Jim Corbett, who went on to appear in 44 NFL games and catch 25 passes. That was modest production, but it was still a concrete return from a low-cost transaction and gives Cincinnati the edge.
Chicago acquired defensive end Royce Berry from Cincinnati in May 1976 and sent a future fifth-round choice that eventually became No. 131 Rob Hertel. Berry gave the Bears 12 appearances and two starts that season. Hertel appeared in only three games for Cincinnati in 1978, so Chicago receives a narrow edge on the direct transaction.
Cincinnati acquired defensive end Coy Bacon and immediately benefited from one of the greatest pass-rushing seasons in franchise history: an unofficial 22 sacks in 1976. Los Angeles, however, received Charlie Joiner, who became a Hall of Fame receiver and spent more than a decade with the Chargers. Bacon's impact was real, but Joiner's longevity and elite production give San Diego the clear historical edge.
Green Bay acquired veteran guard Pat Matson from Cincinnati for a 1976 seventh-round choice. Matson immediately played all 14 games for the Packers and started six, providing useful line depth in his final NFL season. Cincinnati used the pick on defensive back Pete Rome, who did not become an NFL regular-season contributor, giving Green Bay the clearer return.
Cincinnati sent running back Doug Dressler to New England for a 1976 seventh-round choice used on quarterback Bob Bateman. Dressler’s Patriots stay lasted only five games before his season continued elsewhere, while Bateman did not become a regular-season Bengals contributor. Cincinnati recovered a draft asset and New England received brief veteran depth, but neither side generated lasting value.
Detroit Lions received Tim Kearney and Bernard Jackson (Frank) from Cincinnati Bengals for draft pick (not exercised). The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
Cincinnati sent tackle Stan Walters and quarterback Wayne Clark to Philadelphia for quarterback John Reaves and a 1976 second-round pick, later used on guard Glenn Bujnoch. The Bengals received real value from Bujnoch, who became a long-term starter. Philadelphia still won the deal because Walters developed into a nine-year Eagles fixture, two-time Pro Bowler and key lineman on the 1980 NFC championship team.
Philadelphia acquired kicker Horst Muhlmann from Cincinnati for a 1976 third-round choice. Muhlmann immediately made 20 field goals for the Eagles in 1975, followed with 11 more in 1976, and remained through 1977. Cincinnati used the No. 69 pick on Danny Reece, but Reece’s NFL career came with Tampa Bay rather than the Bengals. Philadelphia received the stronger direct value.
San Francisco 49ers received Albert Chandler / Al Chandler from Cincinnati Bengals for 1976 fifth round pick (#138-Willie Shelby). The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
Kansas City acquired linebacker Ken Avery from Cincinnati for a future fourth-round choice. Avery gave the Chiefs one season, appearing in all 14 games with five starts in 1975. Cincinnati used the resulting No. 106 pick in 1976 on Tony Davis, who spent three seasons with the Bengals and remained in the NFL for six years. The Bengals receive a modest edge for the longer realized return.
Buffalo acquired safety Neal Craig from Cincinnati on August 28, 1974 for the future fourth-round selection that became running back Stan Fritts at No. 97. Craig immediately started all 14 games for the Bills in 1974 and returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown before moving to Cleveland the next year. Fritts gave Cincinnati two productive rotational seasons, rushing for 575 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding two receiving scores. That balance of realized value gives the edge to Cincinnati Bengals.
Atlanta received Haskel Stanback and Tom DeLeone for the future third-round choice that Cincinnati used at No. 55 on Gary Burley. Stanback became a meaningful Falcons back, playing 83 games, starting 50 and rushing for 2,662 yards with 25 rushing touchdowns from 1974 through 1979. Burley also became durable value for Cincinnati, spending eight seasons with the Bengals and starting regularly on the defensive line before finishing his career in Atlanta. The realized value on both sides makes an even verdict the fairest result.
New England Patriots received David Lewis / Dave Lewis (a) from Cincinnati Bengals for cash. The recorded outcome favors New England Patriots.
Buffalo Bills received Steve Chomyszak from Cincinnati Bengals for 1975 ninth round pick (#227-Lofell Williams). The recorded outcome favors Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati sent linebacker Bill Bergey to Philadelphia and ultimately received three premium selections: the 1977 first-round pick used on Wilson Whitley, the 1978 first-round pick used on Ross Browner, and the 1978 second-round pick used on Ray Griffin. Bergey became an Eagles star, but Cincinnati converted one departing veteran into a broad, long-lived return that helped stock multiple position groups.
Dallas acquired supplemental-draft quarterback Clint Longley, whose most famous moment came in the 1974 Thanksgiving comeback against Washington. Cincinnati received the 1975 fifth-round pick used on Jeff West, who went on to a lengthy NFL career as a punter and tight end. Longley supplied Dallas a memorable short-term contribution but little sustained quarterback value. Cincinnati turned the rights to a reserve passer into a player with far greater career longevity.
Cincinnati traded quarterback Mike Boryla to Philadelphia for two future draft choices, which became 1975 sixth-rounder Tom Shuman and 1976 first-rounder Billy Brooks. Bengals historical material supports the two-pick package and does not require the cash previously attached to this record. Boryla had a useful stretch in Philadelphia, including a 1975 Pro Bowl selection, but Cincinnati's first-round return ultimately gives the Bengals the edge.
Cincinnati acquired quarterback Wayne Clark from San Diego for Virgil Carter, then sent Reece Morrison as follow-up compensation after Carter signed with the World Football League instead of joining the Chargers. Clark spent the 1974 season as Cincinnati’s backup and appeared in all 14 games. Carter missed 1974 and Morrison was released, leaving the Bengals with the better realized return.
Cincinnati traded running back Jess Phillips to New Orleans for 1974 third- and fifth-round picks. The third-rounder became Dave Lapham, who played 140 Bengals games and started on Cincinnati's first Super Bowl team; the fifth became Haskel Stanback. Phillips gave the Saints two productive rushing seasons, so New Orleans received real value, but Lapham's decade in Cincinnati makes the Bengals the clear winner.
Cincinnati sent linebacker Bill Peterson to New England for a future fourth-round pick that became No. 87 in 1974. The Bengals used the slot on Mike Boryla and then converted Boryla's rights into additional future draft capital before he played for Cincinnati. Peterson did not provide New England comparable regular-season value, giving the Bengals the stronger asset-conversion result.
Minnesota acquired guard Steve Lawson plus Cincinnati's 1975 fourth-round pick, while the Bengals received Minnesota's 1974 fourth- and 1975 third-round choices. Lawson became a multi-year Vikings lineman, but Cincinnati converted its picks into Richard Williams and linebacker Bo Harris. Both sides gained usable value, with the Bengals' two-pick return giving Cincinnati the narrow overall edge.
Cincinnati sent Speedy Thomas to Philadelphia for defensive tackle Jerry Ellison on July 9, 1973. Contemporary reporting confirms the Eagles as the trade partner, but Thomas was released before Philadelphia's regular season and later played for New Orleans. Ellison did not create a documented Bengals regular-season contribution. With neither acquiring club receiving meaningful direct production, the exchange grades even.
Cincinnati Bengals received undisclosed draft pick (selection not identified) from Arizona Cardinals for Willie Jones / Willie Lee Jones. The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
Cincinnati sent tight end Mike Kelly to New Orleans for a future 1974 sixth-round pick, which became No. 153 and was used on William 'Bill' Bryant. Kelly appeared in only one Saints game in 1973, while Bryant did not become a Bengals regular-season contributor. Neither club extracted meaningful direct value, so the transaction is best graded as even.
Cincinnati acquired wide receiver Charlie Joiner and linebacker Ron Pritchard from Houston in October 1972 for running backs Paul Robinson and Fred Willis. Joiner later became a Hall of Famer, although most of his legendary production came after Cincinnati sent him to San Diego in 1976.
Cincinnati acquired guard John Shinners from Baltimore on October 24, 1972 for a 1973 fourth-round pick, No. 93 overall. Shinners became a useful five-season Bengal, appearing in 66 games and starting 32. Baltimore later sent the pick to Cleveland for kicker George Hunt, who scored 70 points for the Colts in 1973. Cincinnati received the stronger long-term return.
Cincinnati Bengals received Les Shy from Miami Dolphins for Don Lamb / Ron Lamb?. The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
Cincinnati acquired linebacker Bob Bruggers from San Diego for veteran tackle Ernie Wright on May 9, 1972. Bruggers was released before the Bengals’ regular season and never appeared in a game for Cincinnati, while Wright returned to the Chargers and started 13 of 14 games that year. That clear difference in immediate playing value gives San Diego the hindsight edge.
Los Angeles Rams received Mike Wilson from Cincinnati Bengals for 1972 undisclosed pick (selection not identified). The recorded outcome favors Los Angeles Rams.
Washington received Sam Wyche from Cincinnati Bengals for Henry Dyer and draft pick (undisclosed). The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
On 1970-10-26, Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets completed a deal that sent 1971 fifth round pick (#110-Arthur May / Art May) to Cincinnati Bengals and Dave Middendorf to New York Jets. Middendorf provided only a short Jets stint, while May never made Cincinnati's regular-season roster. One side received brief veteran depth and the other a pick that did not become an NFL contributor, producing almost no lasting separation. That realized value supports a Even Trade verdict, with Cincinnati Bengals graded C and New York Jets graded C.
Buffalo Bills received 1971 sixth round pick (#145-Bill McKinley) from Cincinnati Bengals for Virgil Carter. The recorded outcome favors Buffalo Bills.
Cincinnati acquired veteran safety Kenny Graham from San Diego for the 1971 fifth-round pick that became Phil Asack at No. 119. Graham started five games for the Bengals in 1970 and intercepted three passes before being released in November. Asack was drafted by the Chargers but never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. Cincinnati received brief but real defensive production, enough to win a modest-value trade.
Cincinnati acquired guard-tackle Gary Kirner from San Diego on May 19, 1970 for defensive tackle Andy Rice. Kirner never played a regular-season game for the Bengals and was released before the season. Rice gave San Diego two seasons of useful work, appearing in 21 games with 10 starts across 1970 and 1971. The Chargers turned an expendable lineman into a real contributor, making this a clear San Diego win.
Cincinnati acquired tackle Rufus Mayes from Chicago on January 21, 1970 for defensive linemen Bill Staley and Harry Gunner. Mayes became a long-term Bengals starter, playing 110 games with 98 starts over nine seasons. Chicago still received useful value: Staley started and produced as a pass rusher, while Gunner appeared in all 14 games in 1970. The Bears’ return was legitimate, but Mayes’ durability gives Cincinnati the clear long-term edge.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati sent running back Warren McVea to Kansas City for kicker Horst Muhlmann and a 1970 fourth-round pick used on Billie Hayes. McVea immediately helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl IV, but Muhlmann became Cincinnati’s kicker for six seasons and delivered sustained scoring value. The Bengals also kept the draft pick, giving them the slightly stronger long-term return even though Kansas City received the bigger immediate championship contribution.
Miami Dolphins received Jeff Richardson from Cincinnati Bengals for cash. The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
New England Patriots received Ken Herock from Cincinnati Bengals for cash. The recorded outcome favors New England Patriots.
Cincinnati acquired lineman Jeff Richardson from the Jets for the 1970 fifth-round selection that became No. 110. Richardson never played a regular-season game for the Bengals and was gone before the season. New York later used the acquired pick in a trade with Houston for safety W.K. Hicks, who started 29 games for the Jets from 1970 through 1972 and intercepted 13 passes. The Bengals received virtually no return.
Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers received conditional draft pick that was not exercised and draft pick (not exercised?) from Cincinnati Bengals for Bob Print. The recorded outcome favors Cincinnati Bengals.
Denver Broncos received Tom Smiley from Cincinnati Bengals for Eric Crabtree. The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers received cash from Cincinnati Bengals for Martin Baccaglio. The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
Cincinnati Bengals received cash (undisclosed amount) from New York Jets for John Neidert. The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
Cincinnati Bengals received Dennis Randell from New York Jets for cash (undisclosed amount). The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
Kansas City Chiefs received cash from Cincinnati Bengals for Mickey McCarty / Micke McCarty and Wayne McClure. The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
Cincinnati Bengals received Steve Chomyszak from New York Jets for cash (undisclosed amount). The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
Buffalo Bills received 1968 fifth round pick (#114-Ben Gregory) from Cincinnati Bengals for Tom Rhoads. The recorded outcome favors Buffalo Bills.
Denver Broncos received 1968 fourth round pick (#111-Gus Hollomon) from Cincinnati Bengals for Andre White / Bozo White. The recorded outcome does not show enough separation to identify a clear winner.
Cincinnati acquired quarterback John Stofa from Miami before the franchise’s inaugural 1968 season, surrendering two draft choices that became No. 27 Doug Crusan and No. 54 Jim Cox. Stofa started seven games for the expansion Bengals and threw for 896 yards and five touchdowns. That immediate quarterback help mattered, but Miami’s return included a first-round tackle who became a multi-year starter.