USA TODAY Sports

Former Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst will be released by the Panthers at the start of the new league year next week. Should Cincinnati reunite with the veteran tight end?

Hurst had one of the best seasons of his career in 2022, finishing with 52 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns. He helped the Bengals made it to the AFC Championship Game. 

Hurst signed a 3-year, $21.75 million contract with the Panthers last March. He had 18 receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown in nine games for Carolina before suffering a season-ending concussion and post-traumatic amnesia in Week 10. 

He's been medically cleared from the injury and is ready to resume his career.

"Healthier than I've ever been," Hurst commented on Instagram. "Got cleared at the end of the season."

The Bengals had interest in re-signing him last offseason, but he ultimately got one of the best contracts of any tight end. A reunion is realistic and could happen over the next few weeks. 

While Hurst isn't a free agent (yet), he is allowed to negotiate with teams since he's going to be released on March 13. 

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