​Never underestimate the Cincinnati Bengals when it comes to keeping Tanner Hudson on the roster. The veteran tight end has built a steady, trust-filled connection with quarterback Joe Burrow, making him an ideal backup option behind Mike Gesicki. As we count down to the Bengals’ preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles—now just 47 days away—we’ll profile a different member of Cincinnati’s 90-man roster each day, highlighting their journey, role, and value to the team. If you missed any of the earlier features, you can find those player profiles in our ongoing series.
In the next entry, we spotlight a player who has carved an unlikely, enduring home in Cincinnati. Tanner Hudson is 31 years old, entering his seventh NFL season, and wears number 87 at tight end. His path to the Bengals is a tale of perseverance and adaptation, one that has seen him navigate multiple teams before landing a stable spot in Cincinnati’s TE room.
Hudson’s professional journey began when he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent after the 2018 NFL Draft. Before stepping into the pros, he played college football at Southern Arkansas from 2014 through 2017, where he put together an impressive stat line: 143 receptions for 2,152 yards and 25 touchdowns across 43 games. Those numbers illustrated his playmaking ability and reliability as a target, traits that would eventually help him stick in the league.
During his early NFL years with Tampa Bay, Hudson earned a Super Bowl ring in 2020, adding a championship credential to his resume. His career then brought him stints with the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants before the Bengals added him to their practice squad during the 2022 season. He nearly earned a spot on Cincinnati’s 53-man roster in 2023, but was elevated from the practice squad several times that season, showcasing his steadiness and usefulness as a depth option.
Over the past three seasons with the Bengals, Hudson has appeared in 38 games. He has signed one-year deals in each of the last three offseasons, a pattern that demonstrates the team’s appreciation for his veteran presence and versatility. In the most recent offseason, Hudson signed a one-year contract worth $1,350,000, signaling the organization’s continued belief in his value. His base salary for 2026 sits at $1.3 million, complemented by a $50,000 signing bonus, bringing his total cash for the year to $1.35 million. Despite that cash total, his salary cap hit is a modest $1.125 million, aided by a Veteran Savings Benefit that reduces his cap hit to the minimum for a player with his accrued years of experience.
The prevailing sentiment about Hudson is clear: never count out the Bengals keeping him. That’s a lesson many teams have learned over time, and Cincinnati has learned it well with Hudson in the fold. His rapport with Burrow has proven to be a dependable asset, and his presence in the tight end room adds a veteran voice and steady hands as the team looks to maximize its depth at the position. Hudson’s experience and reliability have made him an appealing option to mentor younger players while still contributing when called upon.
Hudson’s skill set offers more than just blocking and catching. His experience in multiple schemes and systems across several franchises has given him a well-rounded understanding of how offenses operate, which translates into better in-game communication and performance. That knowledge is particularly valuable for a Bengals team that places a premium on versatility and readiness from its tight ends.
However, the summer competition will be intense. On Cincinnati’s depth chart, Hudson faces competition from Cam Grandy, whose improved blocking has made him a more attractive option, and Jack Endries, a rookie seventh-round pick who has shown flashes of talent that exceed his draft position. It’s not unusual for the Bengals to carry five tight ends, a strategy they’ve employed in the past. Hudson has demonstrated an ability to secure a spot in the final 53-man roster cuts in each of the last two preseasons, underscoring his staying power. The question remains: will the team keep him again, potentially at the expense of younger, cheaper options?
The odds strongly favor Hudson remaining with Cincinnati, given his proven versatility and steady presence on the field and in the locker room. At 31, he still has plenty to offer as a reliable target in short- and intermediate-range routes, as well as a familiar option for Burrow in high-pressure situations. If the Bengals choose to preserve veteran leadership and depth at tight end, Hudson’s continuity with the offense could be a deciding factor in whether a younger player earns a seat on the roster.
Roster odds place Hudson at around the 65 percent mark to stay with the Bengals, a figure that reflects his history of making the squad in recent years while acknowledging the competition from younger backups. Cincinnati’s decision-makers have demonstrated a willingness to prioritize proven depth when constructing the tight end room, and Hudson’s track record supports that approach.
This profile previously appeared in A to Z Sports and serves as a snapshot of why Hudson remains a valuable piece for Cincinnati. For more on Tanner Hudson’s ongoing role with the Bengals and his impact on the tight end group, you can read the full Bengals Player Profile: Tanner Hudson is back again to teach these young tight ends how it’s done at A to Z Sports. The broader context and updates continue to come as the preseason unfolds and the roster takes shape ahead of the regular season.