There aren’t any tight ends with Cincinnati Bengals contracts that expire in 2024. They signed Irv Smith Jr., Tanner Hudson, and Drew Sample to short-term contracts. Given their varied record of performance,
it isn’t difficult to surmise that they may be prepared to restructure the role.
It so happens that two of the NFL’s most recent tight end success stories will be hitting the free market, perhaps representing the team that needs tight ends the most.
This involves the release of CJ Uzomah by the New York Jets and Hayden Hurst by the Carolina Panthers.
Considering that their targets were divided between Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase in both of the teams’ seasons when they had long playoff runs with Joe Burrow, fans will recall that these two had quite good seasons.
Next season, both were able to get a sizable salary in free agency.
Hurst played in 13 games for Cincinnati in 2022, hauling in 52 passes for 414 yards and two scores. Following a severe concussion, he was limited to playing in only nine games with the Panthers in the previous season, when he caught just 18 catches for about 184 yards and one touchdown.
The ability Hurst had to take a four- or five-yard reception and convert it into a first down by either breaking a tackle or battling for a few additional yards wasn’t always evident in the box score.
Hurst is unlikely to end up in Cincinnati because, regrettably, that catastrophic concussion has put his career in peril.
When Uzomah happened, it was an unexpected turn of events. During that unlikely 2021 run, he was a very vocal leader in the locker room, and it was said that the organization was interested in having him return.
With 49 catches for 493 yards and five touchdowns in 2021—including a three-touchdown effort in a route versus the Baltimore Ravens—he enjoyed a career year.
After departing Uzomah, the Jets have seen 29 receptions from him for 290 yards and three scores in his 27 games.
Both of these players would probably be viewed by the Bengals as luxury additions because it is extremely uncommon to acquire a starter who you know gets along with your quarterback and skill position players.
Not to add that even with Brian Callahan joining the Tennessee Titans, Zac Taylor’s offense will remain intact.
Hurst’s injury is a concern, but he is good to go back. It is also likely that Uzomah wants to show that he is not the player who had Zach Wilson and company sending him balls, but rather the guy we saw in 2021.