The Cincinnati Bengals will have one of the best offensive skill position groups in the league.
With Ja’Marr Chase leading the way, Joe Burrow will have playmakers on the receiving end of things to keep the offense going.
This is particularly important for an offense like Zac Taylor’s.
In Cincinnati, you don’t get a complex offense in which the creativeness behind the Xs and Os is the main driver of success. Instead, the Bengals’ attack puts most of the weight on its players.
This is why the front office would be smart to solve one of the team’s biggest weaknesses; the tight end room behind Hayden Hurst.
Although Hurst seems to have the traits to be productive on an offense like the one the Bengals have, there’s virtually no depth at the position.
Behind Hurts, chances are the Bengals roster includes Drew Sample and Mitchell Wilcox.
Together, the latter two combined for only 14 catches last year.
As they deal with injuries late in training camp, Cincinnati’s fans have been reminded just how fragile the position group is.
Not to mention, the Bengals are hoping for an upgrade at tight end.
Beyond making up for C.J. Uzomah’s production in 2021, getting a tight end capable of taking on a bigger role as a receiver could do wonders for a unit this loaded at wide receiver.
Hurst is expected to be that but adding some versatility with an athletic tight end could go a long way.
The first-rounder that could solve the Bengals’ problem
This brings us to the Buffalo Bills and their surprisingly deep group of tight ends.
In a recent article, Bills beat reporter Joe Buscaglia speculated about the possibility of moving on from O.J. Howard who they signed earlier in the year but might be left looking for a role after the emergence of younger players.
In last weekend’s preseason game, Howard played deep into the fourth quarter while others got valuable reps early in a game that featured even Josh Allen for the Bills.
“Without (Dawson) Knox in the lineup, it allowed some of the backup options to get time with Allen and the first-team offense.
As the Bills went through their six snaps, Quintin Morris, Tommy Sweeney, and fullback Reggie Gilliam all took at least one snap with Allen. Morris had five of the six, and Sweeney entered the game with Gilliam for one play.
Howard remained on the sidelines the entire drive despite signing a somewhat substantial contract this offseason.”
The Bills could save $2M if they trade Howard and since they also have been extra cautious about risking some players they fear Brian Daboll could poach before they secure them in their practice squad, it’s a perfect opportunity to entice them into a trade.
It’s uncommon for a recently signed free agent to be traded away, but the salary cap and younger players could have the Bills seriously considering the possibility.
If the price for him is a late-round draft pick, trading for him would be worth it for the Bengals.
They’re banking on this offense being unstoppable and having two legit options at tight end could open up things for the strongest position group on the roster, their wide receivers.
