The Cincinnati Bengals suddenly find themselves in an enviable position—a surprising twist that has flipped what was once a glaring weakness into a veritable strength. The tight end spot, which once seemed like a revolving door of short-term solutions for Joe Burrow, is now overflowing with talent. So much so, in fact, that the team may have to make some tough decisions when it comes to final roster cuts. The idea of rostering at least five tight ends, something once unthinkable, is now a very real possibility. And among those vying for a spot is sixth-round rookie Tanner McLachlan, who might just have a shot at making the final cut.
Let’s break it down—McLachlan is currently projected as the fifth option on the depth chart, teetering on the edge of losing a roster spot altogether. It’s not an ideal position for a rookie trying to make a name for himself in a stacked lineup. The Bengals brought in Mike Gesicki through free agency, expecting him to step into the No. 1 role with confidence. Drew Sample, a familiar face, has his role firmly secured. Then there’s Tanner Hudson, who had a breakout performance last year, and fourth-rounder Erick All, a high-upside prospect who only slipped in the draft due to injury concerns.
Despite the stiff competition, McLachlan's situation isn't as dire as it might appear at first glance. According to Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson, the Bengals might find themselves with no choice but to keep McLachlan on the roster. Why? It’s that “good problem” teams dream of having—too much talent and not enough spots. If the coaching staff feels the numbers crunch, they could take a gamble on Hudson slipping through waivers. After all, Hudson is approaching 30 years old, while McLachlan is just 25, offering a younger and potentially more long-term solution for the team.
The long-term implications are significant. The Bengals have to think ahead, especially when considering the possibility of Gesicki breaking out. If he does, it’s likely he’ll follow the trend of other Burrow-connected tight ends who’ve gone on to secure hefty contracts elsewhere. On the flip side, if Gesicki doesn't meet expectations, he might find himself out the door sooner rather than later. And then there’s Erick All, who, in theory, could be the Bengals’ tight end of the future. But those injury concerns loom large, leaving the door open for someone like McLachlan to step up.
It’s important to remember how McLachlan even got to this point. His time at Arizona was marked by underutilization, which might’ve been a blessing in disguise. His limited exposure kept him flying under the radar, allowing the Bengals to snag him in the sixth round—a much later selection than his talent might’ve warranted. In this sense, McLachlan's under-the-radar profile could work in his favor as he looks to carve out a spot on the Bengals’ roster.
But let's not get too ahead of ourselves. The Bengals' tight end room is still crowded, and McLachlan has a tough road ahead. Gesicki’s arrival adds a new dynamic to the offense, giving Burrow another weapon to utilize. But it also raises the stakes for the other tight ends on the roster. Drew Sample, known for his reliability, isn’t going anywhere. Erick All, with his high ceiling, is seen as a future star if he can stay healthy. And Tanner Hudson, while older, proved last year that he can still contribute at a high level.
However, McLachlan's youth and potential can't be ignored. At 25, he represents a younger, fresher option for the Bengals. If he can impress during the preseason and make the most of his opportunities, he could force the coaching staff to reconsider their options. The Bengals, after all, are not just building for this season—they’re thinking about the future. And in a league where injuries and attrition can decimate a position group, having depth is not just a luxury, but a necessity.
There’s also the element of surprise that McLachlan brings. He’s an unknown quantity, a wild card in a room full of established names. While Gesicki, Sample, Hudson, and All have all shown what they can do, McLachlan’s potential is still untapped. This unpredictability could work to his advantage, especially in a team looking to keep opponents guessing. A new face in the tight end group could bring a fresh dynamic to the Bengals’ offense, offering Burrow a different type of target that defenses haven’t had a chance to study.
It’s not just about making the roster—it’s about what McLachlan could offer the Bengals moving forward. In a league where teams are constantly searching for the next breakout star, McLachlan could be that player for Cincinnati. If Gesicki performs as expected and moves on to greener pastures, McLachlan could find himself with a much larger role in the coming seasons. Even if Erick All steps into the No. 1 role down the line, having a reliable No. 2 tight end is crucial for any team with Super Bowl aspirations.
In the end, the Bengals’ tight end situation is a testament to how quickly things can change in the NFL. What was once a position of concern has become one of abundance, and now the Bengals have to navigate the tricky waters of roster management. Do they go with the veteran presence of Hudson, the potential of McLachlan, or a mix of both? These are the questions that could define the team’s success not just this year, but in the years to come.
So, as cut-down day approaches, the Bengals find themselves with a good problem—too much talent and not enough spots. It’s a challenge any team would love to have, and for Tanner McLachlan, it’s an opportunity to prove that he belongs. Whether he makes the final roster or not, McLachlan has already shown that he’s a player worth keeping an eye on. And in a league where anything can happen, that’s all he can ask for at this stage in his career.
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