Breaking: Bengals Are Closing In On Deal To Sign $13.6 Million WR And Return Specialist…..

The stalwart at DT for Texas A&M football over the past few years is headed to Cincinnati.

McKinnley Jackson selected by Cincinnati Bengals with 97th overall pick, sneaking into top 3 rounds

One of the best players on a great 2023 defense for Texas A&M football is now off the board. Late in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals made the decision to draft DT McKinnley Jackson with the 97th overall pick.

McKinnley Jackson selected by Cincinnati Bengals with 97th overall pick, sneaking into top 3 rounds
One of the best players on a great 2023 defense for Texas A&M football is now off the board. Late in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals made the decision to draft DT McKinnley Jackson with the 97th overall pick.

McKinnley Jackson brings an explosive first step, immense strength, and an underrated ability to rush the passer. Cincinnati fans will be pleasantly surprised with his ability along the defensive front to reset the line of scrimmage and pop free into the backfield every once in a while.

Jackson was a highly-touted four-star recruit out of George County in Mississippi. His recruitment came down to the Aggies, Alabama, and LSU. That he chose Texas A&M football was one of the bigger wins in the 2021 class for Jimbo Fisher and his staff.

I have no doubt that Jackson will be a productive player at the next level, despite his slide in the projections. I think Cincy selecting him here is reflective of a similar confidence. Congratulations, McKinnley!

On the eve of the draft, it was learned Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade. At the heart of the issue is not a desire to find a new team but rather one for an adjustment to his contract, a pact which has two years years remaining.

Neither of Hendrickson’s bases salaries in 2024 and ’25 are guaranteed, and the three-time Pro Bowler is seeking a firm up front commitment from Cincinnati. Recent contract talks did not produce a new agreement (unlike last offseason), however, and team and player know where each other stand in this case. Following the draft, head coach Zac Taylor spoke about the matter.

“You let Trey voice his concerns. I’m listening. I’ve got an open ear to him,” Taylor said (via Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic). “I love Trey. I’ve told Trey that. We want Trey to play here next year for us. He’s gonna play here next year for us. He’s gonna have success, and we’re gonna have success and I’m excited for that.”

Indeed, Cincinnati has made it clear to Hendrickson the team will not seek out a trade partner. The 29-year-old thus faces the possibility of a training camp holdout or playing out the 2024 season as his contract is currently constructed. A short-term solution came about with a $5MM raise in 2023, and it will be interesting to see if a similar approach is used depending on how this situation develops over the coming weeks.

Regardless of Hendrickson’s stance, the Bengals’ lack of sack production led many to name edge rush as a position of need during the draft. Cincinnati filled a number of holes – including at right tackle and defensive line – but the team’s only investment at the defensive end spot was sixth-rounder Cedric Johnson. He will be counted on as a rotational option during his rookie year with Sam Hubbard and Hendrickson in place as starters. Based on Taylor’s stance, the latter can still be expected to be in the 2024 lineup.