Tahj Brooks

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		16	45	—	2.8
2025		16	45	0	2.8

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Cincinnati found solid value in inking Tahj Brooks to this four-year, $4.4M deal, earning a B- CVI that reflects smart depth investment at running back. At just $1.1M annually with minimal guaranteed money, the Bengals are paying depth piece wages for a player who could develop into something more meaningful in their backfield rotation. The contract structure heavily favors Cincinnati with only $200K guaranteed, giving them maximum flexibility to move on if Brooks doesn't progress while preserving significant upside if he outperforms his current tier. This is exactly the type of low-risk, high-reward developmental signing that championship-caliber organizations make to build sustainable depth behind their marquee players. While Brooks may be viewed as a depth piece today, this contract gives the Bengals four affordable years to see if he can evolve into a more impactful contributor in their offensive system.

Performance Analysis

Tahj Brooks' F grade in Cincinnati is a discouraging start for a rookie running back who was productive in college at Texas Tech. Brooks brought a physical, downhill running style to the Bengals, but the NFL transition has been difficult. His F grade reflects minimal production in a backfield that already has established options. Brooks hasn't been able to find the kind of running lanes he enjoyed in college, and his efficiency has suffered as a result. Cincinnati's offense asks a lot of its running backs in pass protection and as receivers, areas where Brooks needs development. The physical tools are there, but the overall game needs to catch up for him to earn a meaningful role.