Who Should I Start? Drew Sample or Adam Trautman

Monday, March 11, 4:49 PM

The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed tight end Drew Sample to a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension on Monday, according to a source. Sample will receive $3.5 million in 2024. In his fifth year with the Bengals in 2023, Sample had 22 catches on 27 targets for 163 yards and a career-high two touchdowns in 17 games (10 starts). Tanner Hudson, Mitchell Wilcox and Irv Smith Jr. are all free agents, but one or more of them could be retained or the Bengals could add competition at the position through the NFL draft. The 27-year-old Sample has accumulated just 80 receptions (103 targets) for 621 yards and three touchdowns in his five years in the NFL with Cincy, so it would be unrealistic to expect the Bengals to utilize him as their unquestioned No. 1 pass-catching TE in 2024.

Tuesday, March 12, 9:39 PM

Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman is sticking around with the organization for a little longer. The 27-year-old agreed to a two-year deal with the organization on Tuesday. Trautman is back after seeing plenty of playing time during his first season in Denver. He finished with 22 receptions, 204 yards, and three touchdowns in 17 games (12 starts) with the Broncos in 2023. Fellow tight end Greg Dulcich missed most of the season due to injury which led to increased playing time for Trautman. The expectation is that Trautman will take a backseat to Dulcich next season. This is a solid move to add depth for Denver, but Trautman probably won't be on the fantasy radar.