Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross would like a fresh start with another NFL team. Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Bengals receiver John Ross reportedly requests trade

By Blake Harper | Last updated 10/20/20

Bengals wide receiver John Ross has reportedly requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, hoping to get his career on track with a fresh start elsewhere.

NFL Network's Mike Garofolo said that after just playing a single snap for the Bengals against the Indianapolis Colts, Ross's growing frustration with his diminishing role with the team caused him to discuss a possible trade. Garofolo confirmed this by speaking with Ross's agent but said that the trade talks did not go too far at this point.

From @gmfb: #Bengals WR John Ross approached the team about a trade recently. The speedster, in the last year of his rookie deal, hasn't been playing much of late and wants a fresh start if that's going to continue being the case. pic.twitter.com/0LbfY9ODb4
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 20, 2020

Ross was a highly touted prospect when he was taken by the Bengals with the ninth pick in the 2017 draft after running the fastest 40-yard dash time in NFL Combine history. But he has failed to make the expected impact on the field in his four seasons with the team. He showed some promise last season, racking up over 500 yards despite playing in just eight games but this season, he only has two catches for 17 yards.

Even if the Bengals don't trade Ross, he could be leaving Cincinnati sooner rather than later. The team declined to pick up his fifth-year option, so he is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Ross's raw talent would likely make him an attractive potential option for several teams. Before the season, Ross said he understood the team not picking up his option, as he knows he needs to deliver in order to earn that kind of investment.

"I need to play all 16 games," Ross told reporters. "I need to stay healthy, and I need to make plays in every single game. It's on me to do that. The thing about it, I wouldn't have picked up my option either.

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