Bengals coach Taylor acknowledges fault after failed trade for Eagles edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie
Taylor shares Cincinnati’s account
Taylor said he was uncomfortable delivering the statement but would follow Tobin’s request. Tobin, who serves as the team’s de facto general manager, accepted responsibility for Cincinnati’s role in the deal falling apart.
Cost changed during negotiations
Tobin said Cincinnati had tried to add depth in place of Cashius Howell. As discussions progressed, the price proved higher than the team had first expected. He apologized for the outcome and said Philadelphia had been a good partner in the talks. Tobin said the problem came from Cincinnati’s side, rather than from the Eagles.
Compensatory pick halted deal
An initial NFL Network report said the teams had agreed in principle to send Ebiketie to Cincinnati for a 2027 sixth-round selection. The agreement began to unravel as they worked through its final details.
ESPN reported Wednesday, citing sources, that Cincinnati realized it would also need to give up a compensatory draft pick. That added cost led the Bengals to withdraw from the proposed trade.
Key points
- Cincinnati accepted responsibility for the failed attempt to acquire Arnold Ebiketie.
- The proposed deal included a 2027 sixth-round pick going to Philadelphia.
- A compensatory pick was an additional cost that led Cincinnati to back out.
- Duke Tobin said Philadelphia had been a willing trade partner.