ESPN Predicts Kenny Clark Trade to Bengals in 2026

Packers star defensive tackle could be on the move next offseason

Feb. 17, 2026 at 2:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell, the Green Bay Packers may trade star defensive tackle Kenny Clark to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2026. Clark is due $21.5 million in cash that year, which could be too high for the Packers to keep him. The proposed trade would send Clark and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Bengals in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Why it matters

This potential trade highlights the Packers' difficult salary cap situation and the need to make tough decisions on high-priced veterans. Clark is a talented player, but his large contract could price him out of Green Bay. The Bengals, led by former Packers assistant Jerry Montgomery, could be an intriguing landing spot for Clark if he's willing to take a pay cut.

The details

The Packers traded away Clark last August as part of the deal that brought Micah Parsons to Dallas. Clark is now expected to be a one-year stopgap for the Cowboys in 2026, with his $21.5 million non-guaranteed salary ranking 7th among interior defensive linemen. Barnwell believes the Bengals could be a trade partner, as they need help on the defensive line and have a connection to Clark through Montgomery, their defensive line coach.

  • Clark is due an $11 million roster bonus on the third day of the new league year in 2026, which the Cowboys would be responsible for if he's still on the roster.

The players

Kenny Clark

A star defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2025.

Jerry Montgomery

The defensive line coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, who previously coached the defensive line in Green Bay from 2015 to 2023.

T.J. Slaton

A nose tackle who signed a two-year, $15.1 million deal with the Bengals last offseason after being with the Packers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“So, if the Cowboys are going to cut Clark and he won't land the same caliber of contract in free agency, the alternative might include taking a pay cut to the $14 million range and netting the Cowboys a swap of late-round picks in the process.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst

“Montgomery needs all the help he can get in Cincinnati, where the Bengals ranked 29th in EPA per play against designed rushes last season.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Packers will need to decide whether to keep Clark at his high 2026 salary or explore trade options before the start of free agency.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the difficult salary cap decisions facing the Packers, as they must balance retaining talented players like Kenny Clark with managing their overall roster and payroll. The Bengals could be an intriguing landing spot for Clark if he's willing to take a pay cut to reunite with his former position coach.