Why the Bengals re-signed injury-prone TE Tyler Eifert

Tyler Eifert played in just two games in 2017, but the Bengals are willing to give another chance on the former first-round pick. Eifert signed a one-year deal, re-signing with the Bengals, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the deal is worth up to $8 million. The franchise tag for tight ends in 2018 was $9.846 million, so the Bengals saved some money in the deal.

The Bengals got just four receptions out of Eifert last season before back and knee problems ended the tight end’s season. It’s nothing new for the 27-year-old, who has played 39 games in his NFL career and missed 41.

2018 will be a prove-it year for Eifert

The Bengals didn’t give Eifert the franchise tag, but will still have a year to see if he’s worth a longer extension.

If he’s healthy and returns to the form that sent him to the Pro Bowl in 2015, a big contract with the Bengals is likely on the horizon. If Eifert gets injured again or shows a decline in his play after so many problems, that could be it for the tight end in Cincinnati.

In Eifert’s five NFL seasons, he’s had the following injuries:

2013

• A shoulder injury that caused him to miss one game.

2014

• A shoulder labrum tear that caused him to miss three preseason games. He eventually had surgery to repair.
• A dislocated elbow in Week 1 that ended his 2014 season.

2015

• A neck injury that caused him to miss a game.
• A concussion that kept him out for two more games.

2016

• An ankle tear suffered in the Pro Bowl in January that kept him out of action for the first six games of the regular season.
• A back bruise that caused him to miss two games.
• Another back injury that kept him out for the last two games of the season and later required surgery.

2017

• Knee and back injuries that both required surgery and caused him to miss 14 games.

It all comes down to Eifert’s health. If he’s healthy and can play like he did in 2015, it’s a great signing.

If Eifert can’t bounce back from the various injuries he’s suffered through, it’ll be a disaster.