**Drew Sample’s Perfect Plan to ‘Avoid’ the Cincinnati Bengals and Play for the Cowboys in 2025**
Drew Sample, a talented tight end currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, is no stranger to the demands and pressures of the NFL. As a third-round pick in the 2019 draft, Sample has worked hard to establish himself as a solid contributor to the Bengals’ offense. However, despite his position with the team, there’s growing speculation about Sample’s future, particularly in regard to his potential move to another franchise — and one in particular: the Dallas Cowboys.
It’s important to note that any plan Drew Sample might craft to “avoid” the Bengals and end up with the Cowboys in 2025 would be speculative at best. But let’s entertain this scenario and explore how such a move could come to fruition. We’ll examine Sample’s journey in Cincinnati, the challenges he might face, the possible steps he could take, and the logical path that could lead him to Dallas.
### Current Situation with the Cincinnati Bengals
Drew Sample began his career with the Bengals in 2019, a team that was in the process of rebuilding with quarterback Joe Burrow at the helm. Over the years, the Bengals have made significant strides, culminating in their Super Bowl appearance in 2021. Sample, as a reliable blocking tight end, has found a niche on the team, primarily contributing in the run game and occasionally as a receiver. Despite his efforts, he hasn’t been a standout performer in the passing game, with many of the Bengals’ targets going to the more dynamic players like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd.
By 2025, it’s conceivable that the Bengals could look to move in a different direction with their roster, especially with younger players like Chase and tight end Hayden Hurst taking on more prominent roles. Sample’s playing time and overall impact could diminish, especially if the Bengals opt to draft or sign a more pass-catching tight end to complement Burrow’s developing offense.
### Motivation for Leaving Cincinnati
For Drew Sample, the motivation to leave Cincinnati might stem from several factors: desire for a more prominent role, dissatisfaction with team dynamics, or a simple longing for a fresh start.
1. **Desire for a Bigger Role**: In the Bengals’ current offense, Sample isn’t the focal point in the passing game. He might yearn to be part of a team where his contributions are more visible and valued. The Cowboys, with their explosive offense led by Dak Prescott, could offer Sample the opportunity to play a more significant role, especially with the Cowboys’ need for a reliable tight end to complement their passing attack.
2. **A Fresh Start**: Sometimes players seek a change of scenery for personal reasons, whether it’s for career growth or family preferences. The Cowboys, as one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, could represent a dream destination for many players, especially those who have spent years in a less glamorous situation. The culture and resources available in Dallas might be an appealing factor for Sample to consider when weighing his future options.
3. **Super Bowl Contention**: The Cowboys, with their well-established playoff pedigree, are often in contention for a Super Bowl. Drew Sample, nearing the latter part of his career, may want to join a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, making Dallas an enticing landing spot if the Bengals are not in that same echelon.
### The Perfect Plan for Drew Sample
For Sample to successfully “avoid” the Bengals and end up in Dallas in 2025, he would need to navigate both the business and football sides of the NFL. Here’s a breakdown of the steps he could take to make that happen:
#### Step 1: Navigating Free Agency
One of the most straightforward ways for Sample to move on from Cincinnati is through free agency. As of 2025, Sample’s contract with the Bengals would likely have expired, and he would be free to sign with any team. In this scenario, his ideal path would involve playing out the remaining years of his contract without a significant injury or decline in performance, which would allow him to test the free-agent market at his peak value.
The Cowboys, recognizing Sample’s experience and versatile skill set, might see him as an affordable option to add depth at the tight end position. With their existing cap situation and roster needs, Dallas could prioritize securing a reliable veteran like Sample, who could thrive in their system.
#### Step 2: Subtle Discontent in Cincinnati
While Sample wouldn’t publicly demand a trade, there are ways he could subtly express his desire for a change of scenery. He might, for example, become more vocal in his pursuit of a larger role within the offense. This could lead to frustrations, which the Bengals’ coaching staff and front office would have to address. If his role continues to diminish, Sample could request a trade before his contract expires, allowing him to move on to another team, possibly the Cowboys.
The key to this step would be ensuring that Sample’s trade request aligns with his long-term goal of joining Dallas. To facilitate the trade, he would need to express his willingness to play for a contender, and the Cowboys, who might be in need of a reliable, veteran tight end, could make a move.
#### Step 3: Building Connections with Dallas
To solidify his chances of landing in Dallas, Sample would need to make connections within the organization. His agent would play a crucial role in fostering relationships with Cowboys decision-makers and selling his value as a veteran tight end who could bring stability and leadership to a team poised for success. Perhaps Sample could get in touch with former teammates or coaches who have ties to Dallas, and leverage their influence to get his name in front of the Cowboys’ front office.
#### Step 4: Waiting for the Right Moment
Timing would be everything for Sample. He would need to carefully observe the Cowboys’ tight end situation over the next few seasons. If their current options like Jake Ferguson or Peyton Hendershot don’t meet expectations or if the team suffers injuries at the position, the Cowboys might begin actively looking for a new tight end to solidify their depth chart.
By playing his cards right, Sample could then position himself as an affordable yet experienced option when the Cowboys make their move. He could wait until after a key injury or departure to sign a contract, giving him the best opportunity to fit seamlessly into their roster.
### Challenges Ahead
There are several challenges Drew Sample would need to overcome in order to land with the Cowboys in 2025:
1. **Tight End Competition**: Dallas is likely to have several tight ends vying for playing time, making it difficult for Sample to secure a starting role unless he proves himself. He’d have to demonstrate he’s still capable of contributing in the passing game as well as his blocking abilities.
2. **Contract Negotiations**: The Cowboys are often careful with their cap space, and Sample would need to negotiate a contract that aligns with their salary structure while also ensuring that he’s compensated fairly for his services.
3. **Staying Healthy and Productive**: Sample’s path to Dallas would depend on his ability to stay healthy and continue to contribute in meaningful ways. Any significant injury could derail his hopes of securing a high-profile role with the Cowboys.
### Conclusion
Drew Sample’s hypothetical plan to leave the Bengals and play for the Cowboys in 2025 would require strategic planning, timing, and a bit of luck. By leveraging his experience, making calculated moves in free agency or trade negotiations, and finding the right moment to join the Cowboys, Sample could fulfill his aspirations of playing for a Super Bowl contender. However, this move would require patience, dedication, and an understanding of the complexities of the NFL business. Ultimately, Sample’s success in making this plan a reality would depend on a combination of his skill, his agent’s negotiation acumen, and the Cowboys’ needs at the tight end position.
