ESPN says former Pro-Bowler could be released by Bengals before the start of the season
ESPN thinks a former Pro-Bowler could be released by the Cincinnati Bengals before the start of the 2022 season. Ben Baby, who covers the Bengals for ESPN, suggested this week that long-time punter Kevin Huber is in danger of being cut this summer. From ESPN: This might be the first time in a few years […]
ESPN thinks a former Pro-Bowler could be released by the Cincinnati Bengals before the start of the 2022 season.
Ben Baby, who covers the Bengals for ESPN, suggested this week that long-time punter Kevin Huber is in danger of being cut this summer.
This might be the first time in a few years where a veteran cut candidate doesn't necessarily jump out. But Huber, the 14-year veteran, enters this training camp facing a little competition in Drue Chrisman, a 2021 Ohio State graduate who has bounced on and off Cincinnati's practice squad as undrafted free agent. Huber needs one more appearance to set the franchise record for most games. He has played in 207 games, the same as cornerback Ken Riley (1969-1983).
I can certainly understand where Baby is coming from with this prediction. Huber is 36 and likely nearing the end of his career.
But it's hard for me to see the Bengals cutting a long-time franchise fixture. Huber has been in the building longer than almost anyone else associated with the team. And he's still performing well. He's not among the best punters in the NFL anymore like he was in 2014 when he reached the Pro-Bowl, but he's not ranked last in any categories, either. Huber is still a viable option for an NFL team.
The Cincinnati native can set a franchise record for games played in 2022. I'd think the Bengals would at least let him set that mark before moving on to a younger option. We'll see how this plays out in training camp, but I'd expect Huber to be the Bengals' punter in week one later this fall.
Featured image via Sam Greene, Cincinnati Enquirer via Imagn Content Services
