Blockbuster Trade Gets Called Off At Last Second In Shocking Turn Of Events

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Arnold Ebiketie looked set to join a new team on Tuesday morning until the realization set in for one organization. 

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher was headed to the Cincinnati Bengals for a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Cincinnati needed defensive end help after placing Cashius Howell on injured reserve. The Bengals host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night with first place in the AFC North at stake.

Philadelphia sits last in the NFC East with a 2-7 record after seven straight losses and is considered to be sellers ahead of the trade deadline. They traded Jordan Davis on Monday in exchange for multiple top draft picks from Jacksonville.

Rapoport then reported a reversal less than two hours later. His follow-up post says, “The #Bengals have now called off this trade with an eye toward keeping a future comp pick they would’ve lost with this deal. Agreement was reached, but not official.”

Nick Korte, who goes by “The Compensatory Picks Guy” on X, explained the pick math. 

He pointed out that Philadelphia signed Ebiketie as a compensatory free agent.

Cincinnati had already lost three compensatory free agents and signed two, with Cordell Volson not qualifying. The trade would cost Cincinnati a 2027 third-round compensatory pick, which it holds as a result of Trey Hendrickson’s move to Baltimore.

Ebiketie Has Yet To Record A Sack Since Joining Philadelphia In March

Ebiketie has 25 tackles but hasn’t registered any sacks this season. The 27-year-old has 16.5 career sacks, and his 60.5 Pro Football Focus grade is a career low.

The Atlanta Falcons drafted him 38th overall in 2022, and Philadelphia signed him in March. 

Teams have until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to complete trades. 

Whether Philly makes another trade before the deadline remains to be seen. But it appears Ebiketie is set to stay with the team for now.