The Cincinnati Bengals have turned into a powerhouse in the AFC in recent seasons. They have advanced to two straight AFC Championship Games, both against the Kansas City Chiefs, with each team winning once.

With one season remaining on the rookie contract of quarterback Joe Burrow, followed by his fifth-year option season, this is the time for Cincinnati to get aggressive in upgrading the roster. Having a quarterback on a rookie deal is the best building block in the NFL and the Bengals need to take advantage.

Things are going to start getting very expensive for the Bengals starting next offseason when wide receiver Tee Higgins is up for an extension. Burrow is eligible for an extension as well, while a decision will have to be made on the fifth-year option for fellow wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. 

Keeping all of them would be ideal, but retaining entire cores is virtually impossible. Look no further than this offseason when starting safeties Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell both departed as free agents.

What kind of splash move could the Bengals look to make? One player that has been suggested as a potential trade target for the Bengals is Tennessee Titans star running back Derrick Henry.