Grading the Cincinnati Bengals free agent signings from Day 4

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple (20) waives his finger after breaking up a would be touchdown in the first half the NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at Empower Field in Denver, Co.Cincinnati Bengals At Denver Broncos 378 /

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Hayden Hurst (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

What grade does the Hayden Hurst signing deserve?

The only new player to join Cincinnati on Thursday was former first-round pick, Hayden Hurst. After going in round one to the Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft, Hurst found himself behind Mark Andrews on the depth chart and landed in Atlanta in 2020.

That 2020 season was Hurst’s best, as he compiled 56 catches for 571 yards and six touchdowns. While losing C.J. Uzomah was tough, that season Hurst had in 2020 was better than any of Uzomah’s seasons with the Bengals.

We are excited to announce that #TeamESM client @haydenrhurst has agreed to terms with the @Bengals on a 1-year deal! #WhoDey pic.twitter.com/T3AhQRGFZK
— EnterSports Management (@EnterSportsMgmt) March 17, 2022

Is this signing one that should have fans bouncing off the walls from excitement?

No.

The team did need a tight end after Uzomah bolted for the Jets and they found a decent one. Hurst isn’t going to be the long-term answer and the team should definitely look to the draft to find a more permanent solution at TE1 but Hurst is a nice stop-gap player.

Considering that Drew Sample was the best option at tight end before this move, I’d say bringing Hurst in was a smart decision. It’s a good signing but not one that people are going to be all that excited about.

Hayden Hurst grade: B+