Bengals Back Out of Proposed Trade for Arnold Ebiketie

Cincinnati backed out of a proposed trade for Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie after the Bengals determined the move would cost more than expected, coach Zac Taylor said Wednesday. Taylor delivered an explanation prepared by director of player personnel Duke Tobin and said the responsibility for the failed deal rested with Cincinnati.

The proposed trade would have sent a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Bengals to Philadelphia for Ebiketie. Reports citing people familiar with the discussions said Cincinnati withdrew after learning the deal could cost it a projected 2027 third-round compensatory pick. That selection was tied to the Bengals’ qualifying free-agent losses, including Trey Hendrickson’s departure for Baltimore.

Taylor said Tobin was apologetic and wanted to make clear that Philadelphia had been a good trade partner. He said the higher-than-anticipated cost was on Cincinnati’s end. The deal was not completed, and Ebiketie did not join the Bengals.

Taylor opened his remarks by saying Tobin had been explicit about how he wanted the explanation presented. He also said he was uncomfortable delivering it, but would follow Tobin’s request. Tobin was not made...