The Bengals have re-signed TE Drew Sample to a 1 year contract.
Sample was originally a 2nd round pick by the Bengals in 2019. Largely considered a reach at that time, he has never been able to overcome that label, producing only 458 receiving yards and 1 TD since being drafted. A knee injury unfortunately cost him most of the 2022 season, as he appeared in only 2 games.
Out of the draft, he was primarily known for his work as a blocker. And while his lack of receiving production is disappointing for a 2nd round pick, his blocking has translated successfully to the NFL, and he has been an underrated asset in some instances.
The Bengals added Irv Smith to the TE room earlier in the offseason, and in a stacked TE class, will surely add one at some point there too. At this point, it seems likely that Sample will occupy the 3rd spot on the depth chart, ahead of Devin Asiasi, and he should still see the field in blocking situations.
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