More proof Bengals were working trade phones about Cashius Howell

Not that long ago, those at the top of the Cincinnati Bengals pretty much confirmed they would have considered taking Cashius Howell in the first round of the NFL draft.

Now we have just a little more evidence of that.

Close, anyway.

In a video series called “Giants Life,” New York Giants brass were overheard saying that they had an offer to move back to the No. 41 pick.

Essentially, the Giants were going to stand still at No. 37 if Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood was on the board. He was, no trade happened, and the Bengals went on to get Howell at No. 41, anyway.

Obviously, this didn’t end up happening. But the Bengals were indeed working the phones during the draft, apparently to get Howell by any means necessary. Let them tell it, that included weighing whether to move around in the first round, too.

The Bengals wound up drafting Howell in the second round anyway, adding him to a high-upside pass-rushing rotation with the likes of Boye Mafe, Myles Murph and Shemar Stewart.

If the Bengals are right and Howell reaches for a first-round ceiling, it could play a big part in an overall defensive turnaround.

No matter how it unfolds on the field, more proof the Bengals were willing to leave their comfort zone and trade around, even after the trade, is sure to be a popular idea with fans.