Utecht signs Bengals offer sheet

Indianapolis Colts backup tight end Ben “Ouch My” Utecht has signed a three-year offer sheet with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Colts have the option of matching the offer for Utecht, who has never played a full 16 game schedule, missing seven games in his three NFL seasons.

This seemed like a yawner at first, and I still don’t expect it to warrant front-page attention anywhere. But Utecht can contribute to a good team and the move might give him some sleeper fantasy potential. He can catch the ball. He’s amassed 71 catches for 800 yards and three touchdowns playing behind Dallas Clark, and he won a Super Bowl ring after the 2006 season.

He’s not someone I’d draft or buy in an auction but during bye weeks or if injuries hit a starter, Utecht could make a decent match-up play. It’s not like defenders are going to take their focus away from TJ Houshmandzadeh, Chad Johnson or Chris Henry to stop Utecht, so he could get some solid looks.

Utecht would complement Reggie Kelly, who is considered more of a blocker. He led Bengals tight ends with 20 catches in 2007. Their other tight ends are Deniel Coats, Nate Lawrie and Brad St. Louis, who is a long snapper.