What a way to go out if it is.
The Cincinnati Bengals will have a tough decision to make regarding Sam Hubbard this coming offseason.
Hubbard, who has one year left on his deal after this season, is likely out for the rest of this year due to a torn PCL he suffered in Sunday’s win over the Tennessee Titans. He did so while catching his first career touchdown of all things.
But even before tearing his PCL, Hubbard was hindered by injuries throughout the season, just as he was in 2023. That’s helped lead to a significant dropoff in his performance, as he finished with Pro Football Focus grades of 61.9 in 2023 and 58.9 this year. He’s consistently been one of the worst pass-rushing defensive ends in the NFL during that span.
Hubbard is set to have a cap charge of $11.6 million next year, and the Bengals can save $9.6 million by cutting him, according to Over The Cap. He’ll turn 30 next June.
Oh, and he’s been a full-time starter for one of the worst defenses in Bengals history.
All of this makes it unlikely that Hubbard will be brought back at his current deal, though there’s a chance he’s brought back at a reduced salary.
In the end, will this be Hubbard’s final season in Cincinnati? Let us know in the poll below and in the comments section!