# Bengals GM Apologetic Over Trade Bungle

> Bengals GM Duke Tobin admits bungling trade deal for Arnold Ebiketie, citing compensatory pick complications.
- Title: Bengals GM Apologetic Over Trade Bungle · Steelers Depot
- Summary: Bengals GM Duke Tobin admits bungling trade deal for Arnold Ebiketie, citing compensatory pick complications.
- Keywords: cincinnati bengals, duke tobin, zac taylor, arnold ebiketie, eagles, compensatory pick, nfl draft, 2026 nfl draft, nfl, pittsburgh steelers, Steelers Depot
- Source: Steelers Depot — https://steelersdepot.com/2026/11/bengals-gm-really-apologetic-about-bungling-trade-zac-taylor-says
- Author: Matthew Marczi
- Published: 2026-11-12T14:00:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cincinnati bengals, duke tobin, zac taylor, arnold ebiketie, eagles, compensatory pick, nfl draft, 2026 nfl draft, sports, nfl, pittsburgh steelers
## Trade Bungle Alert
Bengals pulled back on trade just before deadline after internet revealed complications.

> The internet compelled the Bengals to pull back on a trade just before the deadline
## GM Duke Tobin's Apology
GM Duke Tobin told HC Zac Taylor he's 'really apologetic' about the trade bungle.

> He’s really apologetic about it and wants to make clear Philly was a great trade partner
## Compensatory Pick Complication
Trading for Eagles EDGE Arnold Ebiketie cost Bengals a projected third-round compensatory pick.

> The trade would have cost them a projected third-round compensatory pick
## Why It Happened
Eagles signed Ebiketie as unrestricted free agent, making him a compensatory pick complication.

> Because the Eagles signed him this offseason as an unrestricted free agent
## Trade Never Completed
Trade never happened as Bengals didn't submit paperwork to league office.

> A deal isn’t made until both teams submit the proper paperwork to the league office
## Formula Whisperer Insight
Nick Korte warned Bengals about compensatory pick complications before trade.

> Had Cincinnati acquired him, it would have canceled out its compensatory losses
## Bengals' Trade Strategy
Bengals carefully preserved third-round pick for losing Trey Hendrickson.

> They carefully maneuvered throughout the offseason to ensure they preserved the resource they anticipate earning next year for losing Trey Hendrickson
## Zac Taylor's Statement
HC Zac Taylor said trade was 'a little more costly than initially anticipated'.

> As we got into it, obviously it was going to be a little more costly than we initially anticipated
## Twitter Leak Advantage
Twitter leaks helped Bengals avoid trade complications before finalizing deal.

> Let Twitter do your research for you and make sure you’re not screwing up
## Key takeaway

Bengals GM Duke Tobin says he's 'really apologetic' about trading for Eagles EDGE Arnold Ebiketie, which accidentally cost them a third-round compensatory pick.