Could Geno Atkins become trade bait?

Cincinnati Bengals’ longtime standout defensive tackle Geno Atkins is reportedly frustrated by his role with the team.

That is important for two reasons: The NFL trade deadline is two weeks away and if the Bengals and Atkins get to the point where a trade is likely, the Raiders would be one of the most plausible trade partners.

Atkins played for Las Vegas defensive coordinator Paul Guenther from 2014-17 when Guenther was the Bengals’ defensive coordinator.

Atkins, in his prime, was a premier player — but he is now 32, has dealt with injuries and has seen his role reduced on a bad team. If Atkins is unhappy, the Bengals could seek to move him. He probably wouldn’t cost much in terms of trade compensation. He is under contract for two more seasons, so his contract would likely need to be adjusted as part of a trade.

The Raiders could use help at defensive tackle. They signed Maliek Collins this offseason and Guenther said he would be the Raiders’ Geno Atkins, but Collins has been slow to produce. If Atkins does become available, I’d think the Raiders could be interested, at the right price, to add to the rotation for the playoff run.

It’s something worth monitoring during the next couple of weeks.