The Cincinnati Bengals have a serious need a tight end this offseason — and two of their former starters have hit the open market on the same day.
First, the New York Jets cut ties with C.J. Uzomah. The Carolina Panthers followed by moving on from Hayden Hurst.
Uzomah was in Cincinnati before Hurst, with his departure to join the Jets what caused the arrival of Hurst in the first place. Then, Hurst’s similar departure left an opening the team tried to fill with Irv Smith Jr., which went south quickly.
For the Bengals, a reunion with either guy is a task of judging whether either can offer more or better than the combo of Tanner Hudson and Drew Sample. Both of those guys project to be back — which would leave the role of No. 1 tight end open for a free agent or even early-round rookie to occupy.
Going back to veteran names a few years later might not be the way the front office wants to go unless Uzomah or Hurst are willing to return in a more limited role than they had the last time.
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