Gary Brightwell

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		37	164	1	4.0
2025		2	—	—	—
2024		2	—	—	—
2023		7

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Cincinnati Bengals' signing of Gary Brightwell to a $1.1M deal earns a D+ CVI, representing a slight overpay for rotational production at the running back position. While the financial commitment appears modest on the surface, paying seven figures for a rotational player at one of the NFL's most replaceable positions reflects questionable resource allocation, especially when similar production can typically be found for veteran minimum contracts or through undrafted free agents. At 28 years old, Brightwell sits in that awkward middle ground where he's past his athletic prime but lacks the proven track record to justify meaningful investment beyond depth signings. The unknown contract length adds another layer of concern — if this extends beyond a single season, the Bengals are essentially betting on a player who profiles more as a practice squad candidate than a reliable contributor. This signing suggests either desperation in the backfield or a front office that's overpaying for familiarity, neither of which inspires confidence in Cincinnati's roster construction approach heading into the season.

Fan Sentiment

The media and fan sentiment surrounding Gary Brightwell's presence in Cincinnati reflects the harsh reality of a depth player fighting for scraps in an NFL backfield. His D+ grade captures the general indifference toward what most observers view as a low-ceiling reserve signing who's more roster filler than legitimate contributor. Multiple practice squad elevations throughout the season signal organizational desperation rather than confidence, with beat reporters framing these moves as necessity-driven rather than merit-based. The broader narrative positions Brightwell as a symptom of Cincinnati's need for more substantial running back investment, with fans largely dismissive of his potential impact. Most coverage treats his roster spot as temporary, with the expectation that he'll be among the final cuts when roster decisions truly matter, making him more of a training camp body than a player generating genuine excitement or concern.