Bengals explored another NFL Draft trade with Giants, footage shows

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Cashius Howell of Texas A&M poses for a portrait during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Once the Cincinnati Bengals selected Cashius Howell in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, it became extremely obvious how much they liked him. The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year was passed up by his hometown Kansas City Chiefs, much to the Bengals’ pleasure.

In their video series “Giants Life,” the New York Giants revealed that they had a trade offer from the Bengals to move up to pick No. 37 in order to draft Howell.

After their blockbuster trade for Dexter Lawrence II before the draft, the Bengals were looking to make another deal with New York to ensure Howell landed in Cincinnati.

New York wanted Hood, but they had interest in moving back if he was off the board at 37. The Bengals were willing to make another aggressive move, likely assuming Howell was on Kansas City’s radar. In the end, both New York and Cincinnati got their guys.

This is another example of the Bengals attacking this offseason with far more aggression than we have seen from them in the past. They traded the 10th overall pick for Lawrence, made a Day 3 trade to add another fourth rounder, and based on the video, were also prepared to make a move up the draft board on Day 2.