Brenden Bates

Career StatsD-

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		11	4	48	—
2025		9	4	48	0
2024		7	0	0	0

Updated Jan 1, 1970

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Brenden Bates' value math nets a D+ Contract Value Index — placing the deal in a clear band relative to the league median at TE. At $1.075M AAV on a one-year deal, this is a replacement-level contract for a player whose 2025 production (48 receiving yards across 9 games) and D- performance grade confirm he's operating as organizational depth rather than a meaningful contributor. The tight end market demands far more from players drawing significant salary, and Bates' minimal output aligns him squarely in the practice squad-to-special teams tier — the kind of low-cost, low-risk signing that exists to fill roster spots during training camp competition and provide emergency depth. At 26 with two seasons played, Bates is in a developmental window, but his grade trajectory and limited role suggest he's plateaued at a reserve level rather than trending toward any meaningful NFL role. The recent Browns activity — adding multiple depth pieces at different positions rather than investing draft capital or premium dollars in the tight end room — underscores how this organization views Bates: a throwaway depth move in an evaluation phase that requires roster flexibility. The one-year structure carries zero cap burden and minimal opportunity cost, which is the only favorable aspect of a deal that's fundamentally a low-stakes organizational checkbox.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the D band — a quick read on where Brenden's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Brenden Bates' performance grade lands at D-, capturing how he stacks up at TE this season. The 26-year-old second-year player logged 48 receiving yards across nine games in the 2025 season, a production floor that confirms his status as replacement-level depth rather than a contributor capable of moving the needle in the tight end room. His one tackle in that span underscores minimal involvement on the defensive side, while the modest receiving total reflects a depth-piece role with sparse offensive opportunities. Bates appeared in nine games but failed to establish consistent presence or impact, the kind of limited production expected from someone competing for snaps behind the Browns' established tight end hierarchy. The mediaFraming pegs him as a practice squad-caliber player with occasional NFL appearances, and his recent transactions—a waiver claim followed by an ERFA tender—confirm the organization views him as organizational depth rather than a developmental prospect with upside. At this stage of his career, Bates is a roster filler whose primary value lies in special teams coverage and emergency depth, exactly the type of move that generates minimal fanfare and reflects the Browns' attention elsewhere as they rebuild their defensive core through recent trades and signings.

How Brenden Compares at the Position

Brenden Bates ranks 151st of 164 graded tight ends by performance. That slots Brenden between Gavin Bartholomew (D-) just ahead and Messiah Swinson (D-) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

The media and fan reaction to Brenden Bates' signing with the Cleveland Browns has been notably muted, earning a D+ sentiment grade that reflects the routine nature of this depth move. Coverage has been minimal, with most outlets framing this as standard organizational roster management rather than a meaningful addition to the tight end room. Bates appears destined for a practice squad or special teams role, with fans showing little interest in what's viewed as a low-impact signing behind the Browns' established tight end options. The lack of fanfare surrounding this move suggests both media and supporters see Bates as replacement-level depth rather than someone expected to contribute meaningfully on offense. This tepid reception is typical for players in Bates' tier, where the primary value lies in providing emergency depth and special teams coverage rather than generating excitement about offensive production.