Zac Taylor Apologizes for Failed Trade for Eagles Edge Rusher Arnold Ebiketie

Bengals coach Zac Taylor confirmed the team withdrew from a trade for Arnold Ebiketie to avoid losing a 2027 third-round compensatory pick.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor issued a public apology on Wednesday regarding a failed trade for Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie. The proposed deal, which would have sent a 2027 sixth-round pick to Philadelphia, fell through prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. Taylor stated that de facto general manager Duke Tobin wanted it made clear that the breakdown was on Cincinnati's end and that the Eagles were great trade partners.

According to a source, the Bengals withdrew from the agreement after realizing the move would cost the franchise a 2027 third-round compensatory draft pick. That pick was awarded following the departure of former edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Taylor noted that while the team sought depth to replace rookie Cashius Howell, the move became more costly than initially anticipated. Howell was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 3 due to a right wrist injury, though Taylor indicated he has not been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Cincinnati (6-2) enters Sunday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) without having made any deadline acquisitions. The winner of the upcoming matchup will take sole possession of first place in the AFC North. Taylor described the Bengals' current record as the best start of his eight-year tenure with the organization.