The Cincinnati Bengals lack depth at the tight end position, especially because their former starter, C.J. Uzomah, is coming off a torn right Achilles. Drew Sample is deemed the starting tight end going into the 2021 season. He has not lived up to the expectation of being an early second-round pick, despite flashes of being a decent all-around tight end.
This pegs the question of how the Bengals will upgrade this position that they so desperately need. Luckily for them, there have been numerous tight ends that have been released from other teams.
With that in mind, these are the three best free agent tight end targets for the Bengals in 2021 NFL Free Agency.
Bengals Free Agent Targets at Tight End
Hunter Henry
The Los Angeles Chargers elected not to franchise tag Hunter Henry, where he now becomes one of the top players at the tight end position in NFL Free Agency. Henry has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, but he is still only 26 years old. He has shown that he could be a top-10 tight end in the NFL, if he can remain healthy and be used in the right scheme. Henry is the best tight end available and will have many suitors. This would be a massive upgrade to the tight end group, if the Bengals were able to sign him.
Kyle Rudolph
Bringing in a veteran tight end could be extremely beneficial for Drew Sample’s development. After the Minnesota Vikings released Kyle Rudolph, he seems like a perfect fit for what the Bengals need at the position. Rudolph was underutilized the last two seasons, after Minnesota drafted Irv Smith Jr. in the second round. Rudolph is 31 years old, but is one of the most durable tight ends in the NFL. He is still an excellent red zone target and is very capable of playing at a high level.
Tyler Kroft
If the Bengals are confident in Sample having a breakout season or having Uzomah ready by the beginning of the year, they may look to just add depth at the position. They would not have to pay a premium price for one of the top available tight ends, and Tyler Kroft could be a viable option. Kroft has been disappointing in Buffalo, to say the least. He earned his three-year contract form the Bills, after breaking out with seven touchdowns in 2017 with the Bengals. Considering there is familiarity between Kroft and the Bengals, this could be a solid way to improve the tight end group without spending much money.
