There was a point in time when TJ Slaton felt like an obvious cut candidate for the Cincinnati Bengals.
That time has long passed.
Despite the Bengals trading for Dexter Lawrence, signing Jonathan Allen and still hoping for something from the likes of Kris Jenkins, Slaton isn’t likely to go anywhere.
Even so, some places still make some logical connections. A good example is Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listing Slaton sixth on his trade block big board.
“The Bengals should be able to request a fairly decent return for Slaton, given the lack of blue-chip defensive linemen in this year’s draft,” Knox wrote. “Teams that missed out on one should at least give the Bengals a call.”
The offseason additions, plus the fact cutting Slaton would save the Bengals roughly $6.4 million, are certainly things to highlight.
But recent Bengals history with injury woes and poor depth at this particular spot makes it seem unlikely. Slaton is a valuable member of the rotation as a run-stuffer and keeping everyone fresh and the rotation deep has been a major point of emphasis while trying to turn around the unit. Coaches have name-dropped him plenty around the draft for a reason.
For those concerned about cap space (and they really shouldn’t be), the Bengals can and likely will do contract restructuring with the likes of Joe Burrow to create more room. Perhaps the only exception to this idea right now is if the Bengals can somehow still reel in free agent DJ Reader at a cheaper number to fill that niche. Then, Slaton might shake loose. But with that seeming unlikely, the Bengals like the newfound depth on the interior.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ biggest trade candidate isn’t very realistic anymore
Reporting by Chris Roling, Bengals Wire / Bengals Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
