​Erick All has emerged as a potential breakout candidate for the Cincinnati Bengals as they head into the 2026 season. After another disappointing showing in 2025, Cincinnati decided to pivot its strategy this offseason, focusing on strengthening the defense to better support Joe Burrow and the high-powered offensive unit when things are clicking. If the offense stays healthy, the unit has a chance to be elite, with Burrow supported by two of the league’s top wide receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, plus Chase Brown developing into a formidable running back. Mike Gesicki has been reliable at tight end in recent years, but All could become a breakout star in 2026.
The Bengals drafted Erick All in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft to complement Gesicki in the tight end room. In his rookie year, All actually opened as Cincinnati’s preferred tight end for much of the time. He posted modest numbers—20 receptions for 158 yards—but his presence suggested he could evolve into a central piece of the offense. Then came a setback: an ACL tear that sidelined him for the remainder of 2024 and the entire 2025 season. Given All’s injury history in college, questions naturally arise about his health and readiness, but Cincinnati remains confident in his potential. If he’s back to full health, he should see a substantial share of snaps.
Setting lofty expectations for All is challenging given his injury history and the limited professional sample size, but his brief glimpse on the field indicated he could develop into a more well-rounded tight end than Gesicki. ESPN analyst Ben Solak suggested that All could have a breakout year in 2026 once he returns. “All outsnapped incumbent Mike Gesicki in five of the nine games he played as a rookie and brings a much-needed blocking dimension to Cincinnati’s rushing attack,” Solak wrote. “If he’s healthy, I expect him to lead the TE room in snaps and spring some big plays.”
Erick All’s journey has been far from smooth, and entering the upcoming year his status remains somewhat understated as he recovers and rehabilitates from injury. While Burrow and Chase will undoubtedly draw most of the attention, players like All could be the keys that unlock the Bengals’ full potential. The team already possesses substantial star power, but to elevate its ceiling, it needs to build out the surrounding talent. Developing a player like All—someone who brings strong blocking skills and reliable receiving hands—is crucial to balancing Cincinnati’s offense and sustaining sustained success. If All can stay healthy and seize the opportunity, he could become a pivotal contributor in 2026, helping to diversify Cincinnati’s tight end presence and offering another reliable option for Burrow in critical moments.