The Cincinnati Bengals made a few huge moves over the offseason to add to their defense. Specifically, they added two instant upgrades to the middle of their defensive line with Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen .
As a result, the Bengals seem to have a surplus of defensive tackles in training camp.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently suggested the Bengals could and should look to trade away veteran defensive tackle T.J. Slaton ahead of Week 1, even going as far as to suggest the Bengals could land a reasonable return in a deal.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle T.J. Slaton Jr. (98) celebrates after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) in the third quarter of the NFL Week 17 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. The Bengals won 37-14. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
"The Cincinnati Bengals revamped their defensive line this offseason, trading for Dexter Lawrence II and signing both Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen. The change has been palpable in early camp practices," Knox wrote. "With several new pieces in place along Cincinnati's defensive front, the Bengals should try offloading one of their holdovers, specifically, T.J. Slaton.
"Slaton started all 17 games for the Bengals last season and recorded 52 tackles and three sacks. However, he was graded just 116th overall among defensive linemen by Pro Football Focus and is now headed toward a reserve role. The Bengals could expect a reasonable return from a team lacking depth at defensive tackle. They could also save $6.7 million in cap space by moving Slaton, who is in the final year of his contract."
Slaton is currently listed as one of the backup defensive tackles on the Bengals' depth chart, but he could soon be lapped by players like Landon Robinson and Kris Jenkins. Slaton is on an expiring contract, and it would save the Bengals nearly $7 million by making a move.
Slaton is a valuable depth piece for the Bengals, but he's certainly replaceable. He's solid depth, but the Bengals have plenty of depth.
Last season, Slaton was one of the worst-graded defensive tackles in terms of PFF grade. He ranked 116th out of 134 defensive tackles with a 44 PFF grade. The Bengals wouldn't miss that kind of production. If they can land a draft pick and clear his contract from the books, it would be a massive win.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/bengals/onsi as Bengals Veteran Emerges as Preseason Trade Candidate .
