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Veteran Tight Ends the Cincinnati Bengals Could Target in Free Agency

Originally posted on FanNation All Bengals
By James Rapien | Last updated 3/23/23

The Bengals only have one tight end on their team (Devin Asiasi) that was actually on a 53-man roster last season.

Veteran Hayden Hurst signed a 3-year, $21 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, which left a void in Cincinnati's starting lineup.

They could bring back guys like Drew Sample, Mitch Wilcox or even Cethan Carter, but are there any other external free agents they could pursue?

Here are a few veterans that the Bengals could target, despite not signing any if the top free agent tight ends:

Irv Smith Jr.

The 25-year-old has dealt with injuries early in his career, which is why he's still on the market, but he's a low-risk, high reward option for the Bengals.

Smith is a capable blocker, has high-end speed and could give Joe Burrow a young and upcoming target to throw to at tight end.

If you're Smith, why wouldn't you take a prove it deal with the Bengals? The last two starting tight ends in Cincinnati inked 3-year contracts worth $20+ million.

Cameron Brate

Brate isn't what he once was, but he'd stabilize the Bengals' tight end room.

He's 32-years-old, but he has championship experience, is a proven pass catcher and could help mentor the rookie tight end (s) the Bengals take in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Anthony Firkser

Firkser had nine receptions for 100 yards for the Falcons last season, but he's capable of doing much more than that on offense. He had 73 receptions for 678 yards and three touchdowns with the Titans in the 2020-21 seasons.

He's also a proven blocker that has experience of playing in-line, which is something the Bengals ask their tight ends to do regularly. Don't be shocked if the Bengals bring in the 28-year-old to complement what they add to the tight end room in the draft.

Marcedes Lewis

Lewis is older than offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, but he's an athletic freak that's still playing at a high level. The 27-year veteran is a quality blocker, is still capable of making a few plays in the passing game and could be the perfect veteran addition to what is expected to be a young safety room.

Other Potential Options

Adam Shaheen, Jesse James, Zach Gentry.