OCTOBER 31: Head coach Zac Taylor said (via Baby) he and Jackson have engaged in “great conversations” about the situation. He added Pennel’s departure will lead to more opportunities for other players along the defensive line moving forward, so it will be interesting to see if an uptick in usage will be in store for Jackson.
OCTOBER 30: Yet another defender wants out of Cincinnati. Bengals defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson has requested a trade or his release, according to ESPN’s Ben Baby.
The Bengals selected the Texas A&M product in the third round (No. 97) of the 2024 draft. After starting his rookie season on injured reserve with a knee issue, Jackson got into each of the Bengals’ remaining 13 games. He saw 248 of his 299 snaps on defense, and he finished his rookie season with 15 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.
Jackson has barely seen the field as a sophomore. He got into six defensive snaps back in Week 5, but he’s otherwise been sidelined, including healthy scratches in six of Cincy’s eight games. As Baby notes, this downtick in playing time coincided with Al Golden taking over for Lou Anarumo at defensive coordinator.
While the Bengals managed Trey Hendrickson‘s very-public push for a new contract (and the corresponding trade rumblings), the team has dealt with a handful of additional requests on defense. Linebacker Logan Wilson requested a trade last week, while veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel asked for and was granted his release on Tuesday. Pennel has since landed back with the Chiefs.
Jackson’s situation is a bit different than that of Wilson and Pennel considering his lack of track record. While teams could gamble on the DT’s youth and relatively inexpensive rookie contract, Jackson’s best chance of reviving his career elsewhere would be via his Bengals release and a subsequent taxi squad gig.
It’s like these guys don’t like playing for the Bengals or something..
I think the fun left Cincinnati with the “Ickey Shuffle” 🙂
The 1980s are ancient history. Cincinnati made Lou Anarumo the fall guy for their failings on defense.
“The 1980s are ancient history.”
Tell us again about the boat trip? lmao
I think a Mazi Smith for McKinnley would be a good swap for both teams. Mazi former 1st round (bust) pick and the ladder a 3rd round (bust) pick would work for the players as well. New teams and fresh starts. I’d take anything for Maz tbh at this point.
Would low key love Mazi on the eagles as depth. New environment and good young defence, think he’d fit well in the locker room and then hopefully we can unlock the potential
Makes sense especially you known how much bengals love their Michigan defenders
Imagine being such a bad defender that you don’t even get playing time on the Bengals.
Jackson might be bad, but in his defense, he also was selected to play in a role in a defense that the Bengals no longer run. That could be a possibility, but you’d think that Golden would try to find some role for him.
Obviously he has to have some talent or he wouldn’t be playing in the NFL. Some guys seem to get to the NFL and just coast, or find out they actually have to work at getting better because now everyone is playing on their level or higher. I’m not accusing, just pointing out some reasons why some players are busts. Nobody is going to give the Bengals anything for this guy because he hasn’t played enough to get a sample. If they release him, do they still have to pay his contract out? Make a deal, trade Wilson, Jackson and Hendrickson as a triple threat, or a defense starter kit. Do I hear a 1st rounder from Carolina? Dolphins?
He is a 3rd round pick non factor. He has no cache or bargaining power. Play your deal kid.
He’s trying to play out his deal. He *wants* to play. This isn’t a contract dispute and he’s not asking for more money. The man just wants to be out on the field. Your comment is a non-sequitur.
Requests trade or release, he has no say in the matter. He is a nobody so far. Just because you aren’t on the field doesn’t mean you are entitled to demand anything.
Especially lime this kid who has zero impact. Put the time in, do the work, get the reps you’re given, and play out your deal. Once that is up you’re free to do whatever elsewhere. Until then, put in the work. No one is entitled to a starting job in the NFL especially someone with no success in the league that is trying to give the team an ultimatum.
Pass.
The Bengals defense last week against the Jets was the most pathetic display of effort that I have ever seen on a football field. This could very well be the worst defensive unit of all time.
Why would they NOT give a 6’2” 303 lb former third round pick an opportunity? A speed bump would be better than what they are trotting out there currently.
Don’t get me started on Shemar Stewart. The guy has a half tackle in the past two games!!! At some point the Bengals need to look at Duke Tobin for assembling this dumpster fire of a defense. Accountability.
I don’t have an opinion on this guy – other than I hope Beane looks at him.