TH #87

Tanner Hudson

Tight End · Southern Arkansas

Small-school tight end who has stuck with the Bengals as a reserve pass-catcher behind a crowded depth chart.

Tanner Hudson took an unconventional path to the NFL from Division II Southern Arkansas and has carved out a role as a depth tight end. The Bengals have kept him around for his pass-catching flashes, though playing time has been hard to come by in a crowded tight end room. He re-signed with Cincinnati in 2025.

★ AFCA second-team Division II All-American (2017)

★ Career-high two touchdowns in 2025

★ Undrafted free agent who carved out an NFL career

Path to the league

Hudson played at Division II Southern Arkansas, where he earned second-team All-America honors from the AFCA as a senior in 2017 and posted a career-high 763 receiving yards and nine touchdowns as a junior. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent and worked his way onto rosters through his receiving ability. He eventually found a home in Cincinnati.

Career highlights

Hudson has shown reliable hands when given chances, flashing pass-catching ability in limited opportunities with the Bengals. His role has been squeezed by Cincinnati's investments at the position, including Mike Gesicki, Erick All Jr. and Noah Fant. He has remained a useful depth option and special-teams piece.

2025 season

Hudson finished the 2025 regular season with 19 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 24 targets, setting career highs in games played (15) and touchdowns (two). His playing time was limited as Cincinnati brought back Mike Gesicki and added Noah Fant. He had signed a one-year contract extension with the Bengals in March 2025.