Hudson will remain part of a tight end group that also includes Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Erick All, and Cam Grandy, continuing to contribute as a solid pass-catching weapon for the offense through 2026. 🧰🎯
The move comes amid a flurry of 2025 contract activity for the Bengals’ skill players. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins signed lucrative long-term deals—Chase for four years and $161 million, Higgins for four years and $115 million—cementing what was described as one of the NFL’s highest-paid WR duos. In 2025, Chase posted a vintage season (125 catches, 1,412 yards, 8 TDs) and Higgins contributed 59 catches for 846 yards and 11 TDs in 15 games, with running back Chase Brown adding 1,019 yards and 11 TDs across 17 games. 💰🏆📈
Offensively, Cincinnati has not been the issue over recent years, even as 2025 saw Burrow sidelined for much of the season. The 2024 offense ranked first in the NFL in passing, and 2025 finished No. 6 despite Burrow’s injury absence. The real struggle for the club has been on the defensive side, ranking 31st in total defense (26th against the pass and 32nd against the run). 🛡️⚖️
Health remains a concern for Burrow, though he remains a proven top QB when on the field. He has battled injuries including a Grade 3 turf toe in 2025, a wrist ligament tear in 2023, and a knee injury in his rookie year, yet he helped lead the team to the Super Bowl in 2021 and an AFC Championship in 2022. With Hudson locked in through 2026, Cincinnati hopes to restore its high-scoring identity and push back toward playoff contention. 🤞🏈🏁
