StripeHype
FanSided

Tyler Eifert Deserves one Final Shot in Cincinnati in 2019

By Nick Bossetti

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 29: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes a catch in front of Marcus Roberson #47 of the St. Louis Rams at Paul Brown Stadium on November 29, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 29: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes a catch in front of Marcus Roberson #47 of the St. Louis Rams at Paul Brown Stadium on November 29, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals is carted off the field after an injury during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tyler Eifert #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals is carted off the field after an injury during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Tyler Eifert has played just 14 games over the last three seasons. Despite this, I believe he deserves one more chance with Cincinnati in 2019.

Tyler Eifert’s ankle, knees, and back have betrayed the once pro bowl tight end over the last three seasons. Fans, teammates, and Eifert himself are no doubt disappointed about the unfortunate nature of Eifert’s last three years. Despite these concerns, I believe Cincinnati would be wise to bring Eifert back next season.

Cincinnati at the moment appears to be comfortable with Andy Dalton at quarterback, therefore it is logical to surround him with multiple tight ends. Dalton is an efficient west coast quarterback, and with the emergence of Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon, he should be good enough to get Cincinnati above .500. With all three Cincinnati tight ends contracts’ up, however, it is unlikely that the team would be willing to shell out money to all three, as CJ Uzomah and Tyler Kroft have proven enough to get a look from other tight end needy teams.

In this scenario, Eifert would provide the upside of those other two players offensively, but at a much higher chance of missing games. However, Eifert could also be signed at a far cheaper price, possibly allowing you to sign him and Uzomah or Kroft, whichever the organization prefers. This would give the Bengals some depth at a position that they would be wise to utilize in 2019.

If Cincinnati wants to get quality tight end play while saving some money at the position, a one year deal for Eifert to prove himself may be the best route forward. If they are able to keep Eifert, their offense when healthy could prove to be among the best in the division in 2019.

Want to read more about the Bengals offseason? Check out all of our offseason coverage on Stripe Hype!

"2018-19 Cincinnati Bengals Position Grades: Quarterback"

Home/Bengals Free Agency