The Cincinnati Bengals might have an interesting trading chip when it comes to running back Giovani Bernard.
Bernard was a common name alongside CJ Uzomah, which we named as a long-shot trade or cut candidate, simply because of the cap space created by the moves. Now it is officially rumored that the Bengals have taken trade calls from Bernard.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some trading partners that would make sense for Bernard.
Cardinals of Arizona
December 27, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) plays the ball against Houston Texans cornerback Keion Crossen (35) in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals have lost the Kenyan Drake in the free hand and moved all-in from a cap perspective with names like JJ Watt and former Bengals wideout AJ Green. It might be a little less costly to just design a replacement, but giving the Bengals a tip on finding a proven man who is trying to win now might be the right step.
Miami Dolphins
November 1, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals with Giovani Bernard (25) celebrates after a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Miami has a treasure trove of draft picks and wouldn’t hurt much if you lost one to the Bengals. Bernard has played at least one epic game against the Dolphins in the past so they know exactly what he can do on the field. He’s also a brilliant person of culture for rebuilding.
New York Jets
October 13, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Even with the rebuilding, the Jets have tried to find a cornerstone that runs back and have failed with names like Le’Veon Bell. Not much is on the program at the moment. Bernard would be the best on the squad right away and would also help in the locker room.
The story goes on
Washington soccer team
November 1, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals with Giovani Bernard (25) celebrates after a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Antonio Gibson had an outbreak in Washington last year but did so on 170 attempts. If the team wants a smooth one-two, working inside Bernard would encourage a temporary attack that has been definitively improved thanks to the trio of Terry McLaurin-Curtis Samuel-Adam Humphries.
Los Angeles Rams
October 25, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Why not move Bernard from a Zac Taylor crime to a known Sean McVay attack? The Rams picked Cam Akers in the second round last year, and so he was fine. Adding a versatile veteran like Bernard to the attack would only make things better if Matthew Stafford’s team goes all-in.
San Francisco 49ers
July 28, 2019; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard, 25, performs a drill during training camp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
The 49ers have played all-in in some weird games of chance over the past few years, such as B. paid a lot of money for Jerick McKinnon and got little back. Raheem Mostert is a quality starter but a one-two punch could overdo things, especially on an offensive where Bernard would be used so much more.
Will there be a trade?
October 1, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) plays the ball for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Doubtful. If we’ve listed Bernard as an editing candidate since the end of last year, the teams in the league know it too. The fact that a report came out saying teams are calling – suggesting it will eventually be cut – is bad news for its commercial value. Another in-depth draft class, plus a solid free-agent class with names like Todd Gurley and James Conner, could mean teams won’t want to trade in for Bernard’s $ 4.8 million cap hit. Cutting or trading Bernard will save the Bengals around $ 4.2 million in space. So this is the most likely route, although the teams mentioned above will be kept an eye on.
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