Bengals urged to trade for Cam Skattebo after Giants benching, details inside.

The Cincinnati Bengals are being urged to consider a bold move in their backfield after a surprising decision by the New York Giants. Giants running back Cam Skattebo saw his role shrink significantly in a recent loss to the New Orleans Saints, finishing the game without a rushing attempt. A Bengals insider suggested that Cincinnati could capitalize on the situation to bolster their ground game.

During a segment on a Cincinnati-focused podcast, the host directly proposed a trade to Giants head coach Brian Daboll. The idea: send Skattebo to Cincinnati. The suggestion comes as the Bengals continue evaluating their rushing attack, with questions already raised about Chase Brown’s workload. While there is no report of any trade talks between the Bengals and Giants, Skattebo’s unsettled status in New York creates an intriguing hypothetical scenario.

Rapien’s trade proposition arrives at a time when both teams have struggled to establish a consistent running game early in the 2026 season. Skattebo, a product of Arizona State, had shown promise in college but faced questions about his speed, including a notably slower 40-yard dash. After a productive 2025 start that saw him accumulate 617 total yards and seven touchdowns through eight games, his season ended early due to a dislocated ankle. He returned in 2026 ready to compete for the lead back role in New York, but has struggled with efficiency and ball security this season. In the most recent game, he played only six offensive snaps and failed to record a rushing attempt or target.

The host suggested that a change of scenery could benefit Skattebo, implying that a move to Cincinnati might fit better with the Bengals’ culture and plans. Giants head coach Daboll, however, indicated that Skattebo was not benched and that New York was simply rotating backs in search of a consistent option.

Despite the chatter, there is no confirmation that any trade is imminent. For the Bengals, the potential addition would bring physicality to a backfield that has faced inconsistent production this year. Cincinnati has leaned on veteran Samaje Perine more heavily in recent games, prompting speculation about whether the team will pursue external help at running back.

Skattebo’s situation is nuanced: he has shown upside but has also dealt with fumbling concerns that any potential suitor would have to weigh against potential benefits. As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the idea of adding Skattebo remains an intriguing possibility for teams seeking to inject a new dimension into their rushing attack. Whether the Bengals pursue this option remains uncertain.