Tahj Brooks

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		16	45	—	2.8
2025		16	45	0	2.8

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Earning a D Contract Value Index, Tahj Brooks' 4-year pact reflects how Cincinnati valued the running back position market at the sixth-round tier. The rookie deal carries a $1.1M AAV—standard for a sixth-round pick—but the contract value equation tilts unfavorably when measured against his 2025 season production: 9 receiving yards and 7 tackles across 16 games. For a depth running back in year one, that minimal statistical footprint suggests Cincinnati is banking entirely on developmental upside and intangible traits rather than immediate on-field contribution; the coaching staff's "pro's pro" characterization and genuine organizational confidence in his work ethic are real, but they do not yet translate to playing-time leverage or market justification. At 24 with one rookie season logged, Brooks remains in full developmental territory, and the Bengals' recent addition of RB Jamal Haynes tightens the backfield rotation, meaning his path to meaningful snaps—and the value proposition of this four-year deal—hinges on whether he can outperform his current depth-contributor standing during the upcoming preseason and early regular season. The CVI lands at D because the contract itself is appropriately scaled for a sixth-round talent, but the performance data and crowded backfield create legitimate questions about whether the organization will have the opportunity to develop him into a contributor justifying the full four-year commitment; a strong camp could shift that narrative, but right now this deal is purely a speculative development play at a premium position.

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 Tahj's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Tahj Brooks entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie with the Cincinnati Bengals, immediately facing long odds to carve out a roster role. His early returns have been rough, earning an F grade through his debut campaign. At 23, there's developmental runway, but the early sample raises real concerns. The numbers are difficult to overlook. Brooks is averaging just 2.81 yards per carry against an NFL average of 4.10, and his 2.81 rushing yards per game sits well below the 55.0 league average. For context, even fringe roster backs typically land near 3.5 yards per carry — Brooks hasn't cleared that bar consistently. There's no standout trait yet to anchor optimism, which is the most pressing concern heading into Year 2. Brooks will need a dramatic efficiency jump to remain on an NFL roster. Undrafted backs who profile as volume contributors typically need at least a 4.0 yards-per-carry baseline to stick. Watch for improvements in contact balance and vision through congested fronts next preseason.

How Tahj Compares at the Position

Tahj Brooks ranks 172nd of 175 graded running backs by performance. That slots Tahj between Will Shipley (F) just ahead and Sione Vaki (F) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Tahj Brooks carries a C sentiment grade right now, with the conversation around his Pro Bowl-caliber moments shaping the narrative. The Cincinnati coaching staff's characterization of Brooks as a "pro's pro" has anchored positive coverage, with media highlighting his professional approach, work ethic, and flashes of production—particularly an impressive 14-yard run that generated genuine buzz about his development trajectory as a depth contributor. However, that optimism sits in stark tension with his on-field performance last season: Brooks logged 9 receiving yards across 16 games in the 2025 season, a production level that underscores the real scarcity of his opportunities within Cincinnati's offense. The narrative has also been dampened by a concussion that sidelined him against the Patriots, introducing durability questions heading into 2026, and compounded by the Bengals' recent offseason signing of RB Jamal Haynes—a roster move that further crowds the backfield and reinforces analyst concerns about Brooks' path to meaningful playing time. The consensus positioning Brooks as a fringe roster contributor with upside potential reflects the gap between organizational confidence in his intangibles and the hard reality of his limited statistical footprint; most evaluators are taking a cautious, wait-and-see approach, betting that a strong preseason could unlock a more defined role, but not yet convinced the opportunity will materialize.