Lions trade proposal sends scrappy $9 million starting defender to Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals were one of the most disappointing squads in the league during the 2024 season after the team failed to make the playoffs despite having a supremely talented offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase.

The biggest cause of the Bengals' struggles was the defense, which failed to even so much as complement one of the best offenses in the NFL. As a result, the Bengals improving their defense is a huge point of emphasis this offseason.

However, the Bengals haven't done much on that front, and the cornerbacks room in particular is a major concern. Cam Taylor-Britt is coming off a poor season and both Dax Hill and DJ Turner had an injury-plagued 2024 campaign. Adding to the concerns with those three, the Bengals don't have a sure option for the slot.

With that in mind, Pro Football & Sports Network's Sterling Xie suggested the Bengals as a possible landing spot for Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson should the team trade him this offseason.

"The Bengals and Buccaneers both ranked in the bottom eight in yards per attempt allowed to slot targets in 2024 and don’t have an unquestioned slot option in 2025 (assuming Cincinnati sees Dax Hill as more of a perimeter corner)."

Robertson signed a two-year, $9 million deal with the Lions in 2024 and the scrappy defender went on to have one of his best seasons as a pro.

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Robertson gave up a completion rate of 61.4% and a passer rating of 90.7 while operating out of the slot. Robertson also offers versatility, as he has experience playing on the boundary.

The problem with this Detroit-Cincinnati trade scenario is that the Lions aren't likely to deal Robertson.

The team likely wants to promote 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to a bigger role, and namely in the slot, but the Missouri product is unproven after he played sparingly last season due to injury.

Robertson offers competition and a strong insurance policy for Rakestraw if he does not pan out. Furthermore, the Lions won't be keen on selling off depth following a season in which their defense was ravaged by injury.

While Robertson would be a great fit in Cincinnati, we wouldn't hold our breath for the Lions to trade him.

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