Bengals unlikely to trade receiver John Ross before deadline

Despite requesting a trade and then discussing that request on Twitter, wide receiver John Ross is reportedly unlikely to be dealt by the Cincinnati Bengals before today's 5 p.m. ET deadline.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer's Tyler Dragon, the Bengals' "plan is for Ross to finish out his contract with the Bengals and head into free agency this offseason" rather than trade him away midseason.

After playing just a single snap when the Bengals played the Indianapolis Colts, Ross's growing frustration with his diminishing role with the team caused him to discuss a possible trade, though trade talks reportedly did not go very far. Ross than publicly confirmed the trade rumors, saying on Twitter that "it's not football that I don't like."

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, it appears that his time in Cincinnati is winding down. 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.