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The Cincinnati Bengals may cut ties with a veteran tight end

The Cincinnati Bengals have undergone a dramatic offseason transformation, all while keeping the core of the team’s offense intact. 

That was done for good reason, as despite quarterback Joe Burrow missing most of the 2025 season, Cincinnati managed to have a top-10 scoring offense. However, even with Cincinnati’s offense scoring at an impressive rate, the team finished with their worst record since 2020, primarily due to the team allowing the third-most points in the NFL last season.

As a result, that led to the aforementioned transformation, which included the Bengals acquiring Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen and Bryan Cook. Now, with the team seemingly ready to compete, one veteran may find himself on the cutting block as the season approaches.

Cincinnati Bengals Tight End Could Be Odd Man Out

Earlier this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals re-signed tight end Tanner Hudson to a one-year contract after he played the past three seasons for the team. However, following a decision during the 2026 NFL Draft, Hudson now finds himself in a potential competition for a roster spot.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted tight end Jack Endries,which put Hudson’s spot on the team into question.

Bengals on SI’s Zach Pressnell wrote:

“Hudson will seemingly compete for a roster spot with Endries this offseason. Hudson has been valuable for the Bengals over the last few years because of his ability to slot into any role with all the injuries on offense and to the tight ends.

But Hudson doesn’t do anything at an elite level. He’s a solid tight end, but he’s not elite at anything. Endries has the potential to be a very good pass catcher in the coming years. His potential is certainly a lot higher than Hudson’s.

As a result, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Hudson could be the odd man out in the tight end room this offseason.”

Hudson has totaled 92 receptions for 873 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his seven-year NFL career.

Bengals Rookie Tight End

A veteran losing his job to a rookie draft pick is not uncommon; however, Endries is a seventh-round pick which may make this a more legitimate competition. Despite where he was drafted, Endries was seen as good value by Cincinnati. 

Regarding Endries, Pressnell wrote:

“Endries is an athletic tight end with the potential to develop into a versatile threat in the receiving game. Blocking isn’t his specialty, but he’s a good playmaker with the ability to continue developing for the Bengals. He has good hands and is a very fiery competitor.”

Endries was the 221st selection in the draft; however, he was ranked by The Ringer’s Todd McShay as the No. 159 overall prospect and No. 11 tight end. Regarding Endries, McShay wrote:
“Endries is a versatile, movement-based tight end whose value lies in his alignment flexibility, reliable hands, and vertical and YAC capability. His early production at Cal indicated that he was a potential breakout player, but a reduced role at Texas capped his statistical ceiling and left some projection questions about usage-dependent impact.

As a receiver, he wins because of his feel, speed, and efficiency rather than his elite separation quickness. Endries shows a strong understanding of spacing and timing, particularly in zone and play-action concepts, where he can sell routes and uncover cleanly. He’s not especially sudden in and out of breaks and lacks the size to consistently overpower defenders, but he compensates with savvy stem work and subtle push-offs to create throwing windows.”