Cincinnati Bengals Have 3 Potential Tight End Targets to Fill Roster Need

The Bengals could look to add another pass-catching option at tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:09am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football game in motion, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, capturing the strategic complexity of the Bengals' search for a dynamic tight end prospect.The Bengals' search for a versatile tight end to bolster their passing game is reflected in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the action on the field.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Bengals are approaching the 2026 NFL Draft with a focus on addressing a surprising need at tight end, despite already having a high-powered passing attack. Prospects like Michael Trigg, Jack Endries, and Eli Raridon have emerged as potential targets to provide depth and versatility to the position.

Why it matters

The Bengals have built their identity around a prolific passing game, but recent evaluations suggest there is still room to strengthen the supporting cast at tight end. With the departure of Noah Fant and the aging veteran duo of Drew Sample and Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati could look to the draft to add a dynamic pass-catching threat and a well-rounded option to complement their offensive scheme.

The details

Michael Trigg stands out as a dynamic target with the ability to create mismatches against defenders, offering a combination of size and route-running skills. Jack Endries brings reliability and steady production as a pass catcher, with the potential to provide consistency in key situations. Eli Raridon adds another dimension with his well-rounded skill set, showcasing the ability to impact both the passing game and blocking schemes.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching in the coming weeks.

The players

Michael Trigg

A dynamic tight end prospect with the ability to create mismatches against defenders due to his combination of size and route-running skills.

Jack Endries

A reliable and steady pass-catching tight end prospect who can provide consistency and dependability in key situations.

Eli Raridon

A well-rounded tight end prospect with the versatility to impact both the passing game and blocking schemes, offering an appealing option for the Bengals.

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What they’re saying

“The Bengals could spend all eight of their picks on defense and the fanbase wouldn't complain. There's no denying the group needs a continued infusion of talent.”

— Alex Ballentine, Bleacher Report Analyst

What’s next

As the NFL Draft approaches, the Bengals will continue to evaluate their options at tight end and determine which prospect best fits their offensive scheme and roster needs.

The takeaway

The Bengals' focus on addressing the tight end position in the 2026 NFL Draft reflects a strategic effort to add depth and versatility to an already potent offense. The right addition could further elevate Cincinnati's passing attack and provide the necessary depth for sustained success.