The Cincinnati Bengals have shown that they aren't willing to give up on the 2025 season, choosing to trade for veteran quarterback Joe Flacco as they wait for Joe Burrow to return from injury. The defense, however, remains a major impediment to success.
The secondary has been the biggest problem this year despite all of the Bengals' NFL Draft capital they have invested in that area. The trade market may need to be explored once again, as a very winnable AFC North could pass them by if the defense does not improve.
The New York Jets seem ready to sell off anything that isn't nailed down at the trade deadline, and former top cornerback Michael Carter II could need a new team to take a chance on him after an inauspicious start to 2025.