What should the Bengals do about Tyler Eifert?

Marvin Lewis says the team will try and re-sign him this off-season.

Aaron Doster/USA TODAY

Bengals TE Tyler Eifert is about to come a free agent.

When he’s on the field, Eifert is a Beast – but injuries have plagued him his entire career. He was just recently cleared to participate in off-season workouts. So the time to question his fate has come yet again; what should the Bengals do with Eifert?

When the news broke, people were jumping on both sides of the fence. It may be easy for us, but it’s not an easy choice for the Bengals.

“He’s healthy! We should re sign him!” — Man I wish it was that simple. Eifert was decalred healthy last year after the season, and then again the year before that, and so on. He may be healthy for now.. but he can’t stay healthy. And that’s the main issue. Every time he’s been cleared, he just finds new ways to get hurt.

He’s missed more games due to injury (41) than he’s played (39).

Alright, alright, my bad.. I’m not trying hate on Eifert. I LOVE him. But his injury issues make it hard to want to re-sign him. On the field? Top 3 Tight End. He was a huge help in taking pressure off of Green as well – so imagine him out there in the offense with Green AND Ross (if he ever plays).

If Eifert could stay healthy, then YES – we’d better offer him a massive contract. But Eifert is a huge risk. We can’t spend that much just to watch him ride the bench again.

Here are some of the options:

1 Year Incentive Deal

This would be the best move for the Bengals. For an incentive deal, most of your money comes from playing games (not money guaranteed). That way if he did get hurt again, Bengals wouldn’t be spending money for him to sit. This would be a “prove you’re healthy” type contract. You stay healthy, you get paid. However, wouldn’t be the best deal with Eifert….

Even if Eifert is convinced he’s healthy and won’t get hurt again, he get a bigger contract elsewhere. Eifert seems like they guy who stays loyal. But the NFL is business, and like we see with our free agents leave, it’s about the money.

However teams will know about his injuries. That’s what could scare teams away. But Eifert is a rare talent, so bad teams could take the risk. What they got to lose?

I honestly feel most team will if Eifert a incentive 1 year deal. I don’t see teams risking that much money for a guy who’s missed more games then played. However, there’s always that one team who will overpay. If a team overlay Es for Eifert, he’ll take it. But if everyone gives him incentive deals, I see him staying.

Franchise Tag Him

The Bengals could tag him, but again.. if he gets hurt, we’re throwing money away. A Franchise tag for Eifert would be upwards of $13 million. He’s worth every penny if he could stay healthy and play every game. Franchise tags are usually used so they can work out a long term deal. A franchise tag just doesn’t seem smart for someone made of glass.

Don’t forget about who the Bengals have to re-sign either: Geno Atkins, Darqueze Dennard, and Carlos Dunlap.

Atkins and Dunlap are playing at an elite level, and Dennard broke out last year. They ain’t gonna be cheap. Signing all 3 won’t be easy – now throw Eifert into that mix and it’s almost impossible.

Look To The Draft

What the Bengals should do.. 1) Give Tyler a 1 year incentive deal 2) Draft a tight end in the 2nd or 3rd round 3) Prepare for the case if Eifert leaves.

But what about!… I haven’t forgotten about Kroft, he really did step up this year. BUT I don’t see that Top 5 Elite TE within him. I hope I’m wrong. Any new talent brought in could force our current slew of tight end options to be better, or at the very least – step in if needed.

But man… if we somehow can find a way to re-sign Eifert with Atkins, Dennard, AND Dunlap – the Bengals Offense can be even better then it’s 2015 form.

Farewell To The Eifert Tower?

I really hope we can find a way to keep Eifert. But even if the Bengals do re-sign him, I doubt it’ll be more than a one year deal.
But Mikey Brown loves loyalty. If Eifert being hurt is what keeps the ever-spinning wheel of mediocrity shooting cash wads onto his face – maybe Tyler will get a massive contract. Marvin Lewis got 2 years, so literally anything is possible.

Maybe Mikey won’t want to risk that.

All we can do is wait…

Written by Bengals_NFL

The Bengals are my life.

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