Bengals re-sign veteran to bolster needed depth
The Cincinnati Bengals are likely to add another tight end in the NFL draft despite adding veteran Irv Smith Jr. a few weeks ago. They aren't waiting until then to add some depth, though, as veteran Drew Sample was re-signed to a one-year deal on Friday. Sample was the Bengals' second-round pick in 2019, and […]
The Cincinnati Bengals are likely to add another tight end in the NFL draft despite adding veteran Irv Smith Jr. a few weeks ago.
They aren't waiting until then to add some depth, though, as veteran Drew Sample was re-signed to a one-year deal on Friday.
Sample was the Bengals' second-round pick in 2019, and it's been a rocky road for him so far.
As a rookie, Sample appeared in just nine games due to an ankle injury and amassed only five receptions for 30 yards. His best campaign came in 2020 when he played in all 16 games (13 starts) thanks to a season-ending injury to former starting tight end C.J. Uzomah. Sample put up 40 receptions for 349 yards and a touchdown.
Sample appeared in all 17 games (eight starts) in 2021 but only hauled in 11 catches for 81 yards. After just two games last season, Sample was put on injured reserve for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The Bengals are simply covering their tracks by bringing back Sample due to his experience in the offense and the lack of depth they have at tight end.
