The Cincinnati Bengals rank 30th in the NFL in points allowed per drive and had to hold a players-only meeting to fix things. But well, it seems like the situation is going from bad to worse for the new defensive coordinator, Al Golden, as yet another player wants out before the November 4 deadline.

According to insider Adam Schefter, defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson is the newest player to request a trade or release.

“Bengals defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson has requested a trade or release, a source told ESPN’s Ben Baby,” he wrote on X.

It’s a stretch to call him a cornerstone of the Bengals’ defense, but still. He is now the third defensive player to ask out in the past few weeks. That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement of Zac Taylor’s squad right now. Jackson, a third-rounder from the 2024 draft, has been healthy but basically invisible this season, seeing the field for just one game through the first eight weeks.

His only action came in that brief six-snap appearance against the Detroit Lions. The Bengals took the Texas A&M product at No. 97 overall, and after missing the start of his rookie season with a knee injury, he managed to play in the final 13 games with just one start.

Most of his 299 total snaps came on defense (248 of them, to be exact), and he wrapped up his rookie campaign with 15 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. So far, his second year hasn’t exactly been a step forward. His lack of playing time could have a lot to do with the defensive coordinator switch this offseason. Al Golden took over after Lou Anarumo’s departure. Golden had some interesting comments about Jackson recently.

“He’s got power, he’s got knee bend, he’s got strength. I would love at some point for that to translate for us and get him going. So he’s on that journey right now, and he knows what he needs to do,” Golden said about Jackson a few days ago.

Linebacker Logan Wilson wants out, too

Veteran linebacker Logan Wilson also asked to be traded after being benched in favor of rookie Barrett Carter. Wilson’s been a starting fixture since 2021 and is in the middle of a four-year, $36 million contract that runs through 2027. He’s been a key piece of the defense for a while now, which makes this move understandable. Head coach Zac Taylor tried to frame it as a positive.

“It was more about Barrett than it was about Logan. I know it’s frustrating with the role, but he’s handled it really well. He’s done a great job with the young linebackers. He’s continued to be in a leadership role in our team. I know that this situation can be difficult and challenging,” he said.

The shift started back in Week 3 against the Vikings, when Wilson started losing snaps to Carter. Then against the Packers, the Bengals rolled with a young duo: Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. Zac Taylor clearly wants to invest in the future, but in doing so, he’s ruffling some veteran feathers.

Top Stories

Cam Newton Makes NFL Return Conditions Clear to 32 Teams as Panthers Legend Confirms Retirement Stance

Tom Brady Makes Career Announcement for Vegas as Pete Carroll Addresses Losing Raiders Locker Room

“RIP”: Prayers Pour In as Tom Brady’s Raiders Struck by Tragedy

“NFL Was Crying”: Maxx Crosby Says League Forced Him to Remove Shoes Honoring His Daughter

“Rest in Peace”: Prayers Pour In From Dan Marino as Dolphins Legend Mourns Tragedy in South Florida Football

Now, the Bengals are facing a bit of a mess. Three defensive players are seemingly on their way out. They also parted ways with veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel. He quickly landed with the Kansas City Chiefs.