When Cincinnati’s offense is firing, it can be among the league’s best. Burrow has a pair of premier receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown has blossomed into a standout at running back. At tight end, Mike Gesicki has been a reliable presence, but the position could see another breakout candidate emerge in Erick All in 2026.
Erick All Draws Breakout Prediction Before 2026 Campaign
The Bengals drafted Erick All in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft to join Gesicki in the tight end room. In his first nine games as a rookie, All actually saw more playing time than the veteran at times. He finished with 20 receptions for 158 yards, hinting at the potential to become a key piece of Cincinnati’s offense.
But All’s early NFL career was interrupted by an ACL tear, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2024 season and the entire 2025 campaign. Given All’s injury history in college, questions naturally arise about his durability and role moving forward. However, the organization remains high on his potential, and if he is healthy, he should see a significant share of snaps.
It’s difficult to set concrete expectations for All given his injury history and limited professional sample size. Still, he flashed the ability to develop into a more versatile player than Gesicki during his time on the field. Notable analysts have weighed in on All’s upside; one prominent evaluator suggested that All could enjoy a breakout season in 2026 if he returns to full health.
“All outsnapped the incumbent at tight end in several of his rookie games and brought a needed blocking presence to Cincinnati’s rushing attack,” a respected analyst noted. “If he’s healthy, he’s expected to lead the tight end room in snaps and produce big plays.”
Bengals Not Giving Up on Erick All Just Yet
Erick All has faced an uphill start to his NFL career, and he remains something of a lower-profile option entering the new year. While Burrow, Chase, and the rest of the star duo attract much of the spotlight, All’s development could prove pivotal to the offense’s overall balance. If the Bengals can get a healthy, productive All, he could significantly contribute to the team’s passing and rushing dynamics.
The Bengals possess plenty of star power, but the roster’s success depends on developing depth beyond the top playmakers. A healthy and productive All—combining pass-catching efficiency with reliable blocking—could help Cincinnati diversify its formations and keep offenses off balance. As the team eases him back into action, there is optimism that All will announce himself as a key contributor in the upcoming season.
Bottom line: All’s trajectory hinges on his health and continued development, but the organization remains confident in his potential to become a breakout contributor for Cincinnati in 2026. The Bengals will likely monitor his workload carefully as they integrate him back into the lineup, aiming to maximize his impact when the season unfolds.
