Who Should I Start? Drew Sample or Brycen Hopkins

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.

Monday, January 8, 1:21 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Brycen Hopkins led the team in receiving during their 21-20 Week 18 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Hopkins caught two of his three targets for 47 yards through the air. He and Davis Allen both saw some action with starting tight end Tyler Higbee (shoulder) out. The fourth-year player caught just three passes through the first 17 weeks but was allowed to showcase what he can do with starters resting. While Higbee may be on the injury report once again this week, Hopkins should not be considered in lineups against the Detroit Lions.