The Bengals have found a replacement for CJ Uzomah. Hayden Hurst is the player. He has agreed to a 1 year/$3.5M deal, with an additional $1M in incentives, per reports.
It is a nice pickup for the Bengals. Skillset and production is pretty similar to that of Uzomah, but Hurst’s AAV is $3.5M cheaper. This deal gives the Bengals someone who can fill the void in the short term, while leaving open the possibility of investing a high pick on the position in the draft. Hurts gives them that immediate option, and would give a rookie much needed time to develop.
Hurst was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 1st round of the 2018 draft. After two seasons in Baltimore, they traded him to the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent another two seasons. Over the course of his career, Hurst has turned 125 receptions into 1304 yards and 12 TD’s.
Hurst, who will be 29 prior to the start of the season, saw his production with the Falcons dip last year after they added top prospect Kyle Pitts. However, he has the upside to get back on track statistically, and out-perform his contract.
In other news, the Bengals have re-signed CB Eli Apple to a 1 year/$4M contract.
Apple started the year as the CB4, but an injury to Trae Waynes led to him starting opposite of Awuzie. Apple performed well, which led to him keeping the job for the rest of the season.
It is a good contract for the Bengals.This deal gives them someone who they know can handle the CB2 duties. However, it is also cheap enough that they still have the option to sign another player at the position, should the right opportunity present itself.
It is also possible that the Bengals look to add a CB on day 1 or 2 of the draft. In theory, the rookie would battle it out with Apple for the CB2 job. The loser of the battle would revert to CB4, and be first off the bench for the two boundary spots.
Modified Homescreen Image Via: Atlanta Falcons (CC)
