Drew Sample

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		95	115	836	5
2025		17	15	106	1
2024		17	20	109	1
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Bengals significantly overpaid for Drew Sample with this three-year, $10.5M extension, earning an F CVI that reflects one of the worst value propositions at the tight end position. Paying $3.5M annually for an unproven player who has never established himself as more than a replacement-level contributor is a head-scratching allocation of resources, especially when Cincinnati could have found similar production on the waiver wire or through the draft at a fraction of the cost. Sample enters his prime years without having demonstrated the receiving ability or blocking prowess that typically justifies this tier of compensation, making the guaranteed $2.4M particularly concerning given his track record. The contract structure offers minimal upside while carrying significant downside risk, as the Bengals are essentially betting on a dramatic improvement from a player who has shown little evidence of untapped potential. This deal represents poor roster management for a franchise that should be maximizing every dollar during their championship window with Joe Burrow, as Sample's inflated salary could have been better allocated to addressing more pressing needs or retaining core talent.

Performance Analysis

Drew Sample earns an F for the Bengals at tight end, a blocking specialist who has provided minimal value in Cincinnati's passing attack. Sample was drafted for his blocking ability, and even that has not been consistent enough to justify a roster spot on its own. His receiving contributions are essentially zero, which is a significant limitation in the modern NFL. The Bengals have better options at tight end who can actually catch the ball. Sample is a player whose role has been eliminated by the evolution of the position toward pass-catching versatility.