“Bengals Secure Tanner Hudson’s Return”
One day after unveiling former Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki in a press conference on Thursday, the Bengals confirmed the return of Tanner Hudson. Hudson has signed a one-year deal following a standout season with Cincinnati last year. Earlier this week, the Bengals also secured Drew Sample on a three-year contract extension.
Despite retaining two tight ends, the Bengals bid farewell to one of their key contributors over the past four years. Defensive tackle DJ Reader, who is recovering from a quad tear suffered in December, inked a two-year deal with the Detroit Lions on Thursday.
On Friday morning, the Bengals expressed gratitude to Reader, Chidobe Awuzie, and Jonah Williams, who signed with the Tennessee Titans and the Arizona Cardinals, respectively, in free agency. Reader also shared appreciation for the fans on Thursday.
“Cincy it’ll always be love!!” Reader posted on social media. “I truly appreciate you guys to the fullest. In a time when the world was falling apart, you gave me a home! We grew together and made that home better. Much love #98.”
Reader had been undergoing rehabilitation at the Bengals’ facility, and the team was open to his potential return, even after reaching an agreement with former Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins on a two-year, $26 million contract.
Although Reader is receiving a comparable salary in Detroit, concerns about his durability arose following a second major surgery since 2020 when he tore the quad in his other leg. This raised questions about his ability to perform in 2024.
“That sucks because you know who you are as a person and you know how those things affect everybody else, but now you’re gonna have people questioning your work ethic to get back or if you’re gonna do this or if you’re gonna do that, or is this gonna slow him down at this age blase, blasé,” Reader stated in January. “And those questions are natural, and they’re valid. This is the hard part. This is the tough part where you have to go in and not really prove people wrong, but really just put the work in and let the work show over time that you are willing to put it in and be exactly where you want to be.”
