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Cincinnati Bengals: 5 offseason needs in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 11: Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97), offensive guard Christian Westerman (63), defensive tackle Andrew Billings (99) and defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) runs onto the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on November 25th 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 11: Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97), offensive guard Christian Westerman (63), defensive tackle Andrew Billings (99) and defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) runs onto the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on November 25th 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Cincinnati Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) makes a 14-yard touchdown catch as Cleveland Browns safety Jabrill Peppers (22) defends during the fourth quarter of the National Football League game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on December 23, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Cincinnati Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) makes a 14-yard touchdown catch as Cleveland Browns safety Jabrill Peppers (22) defends during the fourth quarter of the National Football League game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on December 23, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Address the tight end position

Last season, a total of six tight ends actually played for the Cincinnati Bengals with five of them catching passes. Now the club heads into free agency next month with quite a few decisions to make about the position. Currently under contract are Jordan Franks, Matt Lengel, Mason Schreck (a seventh-round pick in 2017) and Cethan Carter – the latter last seeing action in ’17.

Then there are Tyler Eifert, Tyler Kroft and C.J. Uzomah, all who could become unrestricted free agents on March 13. Of course, Eifert was the 21st overall pick in 2013. The former Notre Dame standout has seen his career riddled by injuries. In his third season and in only 13 contests, he posted career-highs in catches (52), receiving yards (615) and touchdown grabs (13) on his way to being named to the Pro Bowl. Over these past three seasons, the one-time Golden Domer has combined to play in only 14 games.

Kroft was limited to only five games this past season after a breakout 2017. That year, he played and started in all 16 contests and caught 42 passes for 404 and seven scores. The 2015 third-round pick from Rutgers could certainly be back with the club this fall.

With the two Tyler’s missing considerable time this past year, it was Uzomah who enjoyed a big year. He finished third on the team with 46 catches, three for touchdowns. He joined the team the same year as Kroft and it would be a bit of a surprise if the Bengals let either test the open market.

Next: No. 2

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