It was announced today that former Cinncinati tight end Hayden Hurst is signing a three-year 21.75 million dollar deal, $13 million guaranteed at signing with the Carolina Panthers. This happens in a slow tight end market. How does this help out Carolina? What role will Hayden play in Carolina? How did Hurst do this past season? Will this signing work for Carolina?
#Panthers' deal for TE Hayden Hurst: Three years, $21.75 million with $13 million fully guaranteed at signing. Solid deal for Hurst in a slow tight end market.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2023
How Does This Help Out Carolina?
This helped the Panthers significantly because one of the positions of need was a tight end. The Panthers’ current tight ends, Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble, are not a solution at the tight end position. If you mention those names, half of NFL fans would probably think you are talking about two draft prospects. Regardless, Carolina hasn’t had a good tight end since Greg Olsen was with the organization. The addition of Hurst will be a good weapon (you know, the thing Carolina didn’t have during the Matt Rhule era) for whichever rookie quarterback the Panthers end up drafting.
Hurst is very familiar with the NFC South. He spent two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He inferred when he was with the falcons that Arthur Smith was “inauthentic” back in March of 2022. (Well, seeing how Atlanta ignores their tight end in the red zone every season is probably why Hurst left for Cincy)
What Role Will Hayden Play in Carolina?
Thomas is 26 years old, and Tremble is 22 years old. Thomas and Tremble are relatively young tight ends. Hayden Hurst will play the veteran tight end role for Carolina and become very solid for the Panthers and their rookie quarterback, whoever that may be (Carolina, please take one for the sanity of Charlotte).
How Did Hurst Do This Past Season?
Hurst was with the Cincinnati Bengals this past season. Hurst had 52 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns. If it doesn’t feel like you’ve heard a lot of Hurst, it’s because he plays for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals already have a lot of targets that Burrow is throwing to (i.e. Jamar Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and Joe Mixon).
Will This Signing Work for Carolina?
This signing, if everything goes right, should work for Carolina. Hurst provides a veteran presence in the tight end room, he was solid for Cincinnati last season, and Hayden Hurst is a solid weapon for whichever rookie is doomed to Carolina (In Josh McCown, we trust).
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