Tanner Hudson: Everything you need to know

Hudson and the Bengals agreed to a one-year contract extension Monday. Hudson played in 15 games for Cincinnati during the 2025 campaign, posting a 19-168-2 receiving line that was a near carbon copy of his 19-154-1 line from 2024, though he saw action in just 11 regular-season contests during that 2024 campaign. His past two seasons have paled in comparison to his 2023 campaign when he recorded 39 catches on 50 targets for 352 yards a touchdown across 12 regular-season games, but the Bengals value his contributions enough to keep in the fold for at least another season. Mike Gesicki will likely remain Cincinnati's No. 1 tight end next year, but Hudson could fill a bigger role if Noah Fant, who is slated to be a free agent, doesn't return.

Hudson finished the 2025 season with 19 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 24 targets. Hudson recorded exactly 19 catches for a second consecutive season while setting career highs in both games played (15) and touchdowns (two). The seven-year NFL veteran will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason after spending the last three seasons in Cincinnati.

Hudson recorded three catches for 16 yards on five targets in Sunday's 24-0 loss to the Ravens. The three receptions were one shy of matching a season-high total for Hudson, who took the field for 19 of the team's 43 offensive snaps. Though Hudson has demonstrated some solid pass-catching chops when he's on the field, he's still no better than the second or third receiving option at the position behind Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant, the latter of whom exited Sunday with an ankle injury. The Bengals also continue to keep Drew Sample involved on offense as a blocking specialist, which typically leaves few snaps left over for Hudson.