What Erick All's Injury Means for Bengals' Plans at Tight End in Free Agency and 2025 NFL Draft

The Bengals will have to address the tight end position this offseason after learning that All will miss the entire 2025 season.
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Erick All Jr. (83) secures a pass in the second quarter of the NFL Week 9 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Las Vegas Raiders at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Erick All Jr. (83) secures a pass in the second quarter of the NFL Week 9 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Las Vegas Raiders at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In this story:

CINCINNATI — Bengals tight end Erick All is going to miss the entire 2025 season.

All was a standout rookie, but is dealing with complications after tearing his ACL in November.

What does it mean?

It means tight end is a major need for the Bengals.

Mike Gesicki is set to become a free agent in March. Drew Sample, Cam Grandy and Tanner McLachlan are under contract.

We have no reason to believe McLachlan is ready to contribute. Guys like Sample and Grandy are valuable, but both guys are essentially blocking specialists.

All helped unlock part of the Bengals offense that we hadn't seen during the Joe Burrow era.

A tight end that can block, run reliable routes and make plays in the passing game is the complete package. All could do it all—pun intended—and his versatility made the Bengals' offense better.

His injury doesn't mean they'll take a tight end with the No. 17 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. It doesn't mean that they'll throw extra money at Gesicki in free agency to retain him.

But it does make tight end a major need. Don't be surprised if the Bengals take a tight end with their first, second or third round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. There are some talented players in this year's class.

They've also liked guys like Brock Bowers, Dalton Kincaid, Sam LaPorta and Tucker Kraft in the past.

They passed on LaPorta and Kraft in the draft. They never had a shot at Bowers or Kincaid.

Don't be shocked if they take a tight end on the first two days of the 2025 NFL Draft—even if they re-sign Gesicki or add a veteran tight end in free agency.

For more on the Bengals, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and be sure to check us out on your favorite audio platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon

Make sure you bookmark BengalsTalk.com for the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Report: Arrests Made in Possible Relation to Joe Burrow Home Robbery

'He's an Expert Pass Pro Technician' - NFL World Reacts to Bengals New O-Line Coach Scott Peters

Former Bengals Coach Lou Anarumo Named Colts Defensive Coordinator

Legendary Bengals Coach Jim McNally Praises Offensive Line Hiring of Scott Peters

From Practice Squads to MMA to Cleveland and New England, Scott Peters' Journey Continues as Bengals O-Line Coach

Simple Quote Explains Bengals' Decision to Make Latest O-Line Coach Addition in Quest to Protect Joe Burrow

Bengals Fun Fact: Trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Cade York Finish 20-0

ESPN's Ben Solak Predicts Bengals Trade For Falcons Star Tight End Kyle Pitts

Related: Joe Burrow Sends ANOTHER Message to Bengals' Front Office

Cincinnati Bengals List of 2025 Opponents Finalized Ahead of Week 18 Season Finale

Best Player in Football: Joe Burrow Gets Ringing Endorsement for MVP Following Clutch Performance vs Denver Broncos

In Depth Look at Joe Burrow’s Case for NFL MVP Following Bengals’ Win Streak

'Sometime You Eat A S*** Sandwich' - Broncos CB Riley Moss Sums Up Outing Against Bengals, Tee Higgins

Playing on One Leg: Orlando Brown Jr. Shares Details of Broken Leg, His Ability to Play Through the Pain

Watch: Zac Taylor Tosses Out Game Balls Following Bengals’ Win Over Broncos in OT

Bengals WR Tee Higgins Talks Emotions, Gratitude and Mistakes After What Could Be His Final Home Game with Team

Listen: Radio Call of Tee Higgins’ Game-Winning Touchdown in Bengals’ Win Over Broncos

Ja’Marr Chase Breaks Another Bengals Record, Becomes All-Time Leader for Receptions in a Season

-----

Join the 52,000+ Bengals fans that subscribe to us on YouTube.

Follow us on Twitter: @BengalsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok


Published
James Rapien
JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals On SI. He's also the host of the Locked on Bengals podcast and Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. The Cincinnati native also wrote a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals called Enter The Jungle. Prior to joining Bengals On SI, Rapien worked at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati