One position lacking depth on the Cincinnati Bengals roster is tight end. Jermaine Gresham is firmly planted as the starter and will remain in that spot for the foreseeable future, but given Gresham's susceptibility to injury and the team's usage of double-tight formations, a reliable back up is necessary . Last season Gresham caught 56 balls for 596 yards and 6 touchdowns--numbers good enough for a Pro Bowl selection (thanks to the New England Patriots going to the Super Bowl). Backing up Gresham were Colin Cochart and Donald Lee. Colin Cochart, a blocking-focused tight end, caught 5 passes for 44 yards and one touchdown, and the veteran Donald Lee caught 11 passes for 115 yards and no touchdowns. Off-season acquisition Bo Scaife was placed on Injured Reserve prior to the season.
Both Lee and Scaife are now free agents, and it is unknown whether either will be back with the Bengals in 2012. Free Agency will serve as the principle route in attaining a quality backup tight end, and the 2012 class of free agents at that position is more than serviceable. Leading the pack is Jermichael Finley of the Green Bay Packers, but Finley will be looking for a starting job and a large contract--two things the Bengals are not interested in. Behind Finley, however, are some very intriguing possible signings, most of all Martellus Bennett of the Dallas Cowboys. Bennett only caught 17 passes for 144 yards last season, but is considered an elite run blocker--something highly sought after when it comes to No. 2 tight ends. And it wouldn't be the first time that the Bengals would be interested in Bennett.
Other notable free agent tight ends include Joel Dreesen of the Houston Texans, Fred Davis of the Washington Redskins, and Jacob Tamme of the Indianapolis Colts. If the Bengals decide to fill the backup tight end spot with a pass catcher as opposed to a blocker, then Jacob Tamme is a very legitimate option.
0 recs | 18 comments
Martellus Bennett
there is no reason we why shouldn’t bring in this guy. He is like a gresham clone in size. And we all know the bengals love blocking TE.
AMAS85 - February 20, 2012
+1
Not to mention the guy is quick and can catch. The Cowboys should be embarrassed how little they utilized this guy.
DiddyGotGrillz - February 20, 2012
well Witten is the equvilant to AJ green in the cowboys offense
so im sure Bennett didn’t get the same looks as witten.
but I will be happy to take bennett off their hands.
AMAS85 - February 20, 2012
Didnt see cochart until the end of the season
But i did like what i saw. I wouldnt mind signing lee or scaife for dept. We have more problems to think about then TE
njbengalstat - February 20, 2012
Yes Bennett
I like the run blocking capabilities,also seems to be a all around TE thats able to do more than just block
keithp - February 20, 2012
Could've swore the knock on Bennett was lack of blocking?
He couldn’t block which is why he got surpassed by John Phillips on depth chart.
ashunte23 - February 20, 2012
Bennett And Gresham
then we can dump Lee and Cochart who were less than average last year. and find a 3rd PASS CATCHING TE..
hmmm where do i know of a Pass catching TE that the bengals know off…
Chase where did you go..
only way i want Lee/ Scaife / Cochart back is if we keep 4 TE’s..
Lee Scaife they were only brought in for vet presence for a rookie qb.
Cochart made the team do to his blocking which was subpar most the season. to the point we heard #74 reporting eligible
Bengalsfan024 - February 20, 2012
Wow, good to know. Sounds like Bennett would be perfect.
Thanks… I have a new item on m y FA wishlist. If MB asks for my input, you guys can count on me to make it happen.
Boomer Lion - February 20, 2012
we actually tried to make a trade for Bennett a few years back, right before we drafted Gresham
AMAS85 - February 20, 2012
offered a 1st round pick
after utech / kelly went down and chase was still rehabbing his foot
Bengalsfan024 - February 20, 2012
im glad it didn't go through!
now we have a chance to have gresh and bennett!
AMAS85 - February 20, 2012
Not true.
virginiastripes - February 20, 2012
Orson Charles in second round!
Jason Blanton - February 20, 2012
Jack Cassidy Headline
Smart and possible. From the first word to the last. Tx for the 411.
Chili Dog - February 20, 2012
Bennett
Wen u have a tightend that can seal the edge or kickout on a lb that leads to big run plays and seams for days
Rob the bengal - February 20, 2012 via Android app
Bennett or John Carlson
Either guy would look good in stripes. But knowing that ML has a thing for Bennett, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they at least bring him in for a visit.
virginiastripes - February 20, 2012
+1
kacymcbryant18 - February 20, 2012 via mobile
JOHN CARLSON
kacymcbryant18 - February 20, 2012 via mobile
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Cincy Jungle to post a comment.