The Bengals have re-signed TE Cam Grandy to a 1 year contract.
As an ERFA, the Bengals held his exclusive negotiation rights. These kinds of free agents are usually easy to re-sign, and only hit the open market if the team declines to make them an offer.
Grandy was originally signed by the Bengals as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. He wasn’t able to make the team out of camp, but landed a spot on the practice squad. However, part way through the season, he earned a promotion to the roster.
Looking back at my analysis of Grandy as a college prospect, he didn’t profile as much of a receiving threat. However, his blocking stood out on tape as being one of the best in the draft. Once promoted to the roster, he was used in this role, and excelled. He also managed to make 5 catches for 28 yards.
Grandy also played a big role on special teams, something that is important for players who are lower down on the depth chart.
Given the similarities between his game, and that of Drew Sample, you have to wonder if Sample’s spot may be in jeopardy at some point this offseason. The Bengals can save roughly a few million by releasing Sample, while Grandy is much cheaper.
Outside of the future deals signed shortly after the season concluded, this is the first domino to fall in the Bengals offseason, as far as roster construction goes. It is a minor move, as the early ones often are. As we get closer to the start of the new league year, we’ll see if the Bengals can get more of their in-house guys re-signed.
