Cole Hikutini‘s journey as a tight end has primarily seen him in the jerseys of the Vikings, Cowboys, Giants, and the 49ers. Although he was a standout in practice grounds, the vet TE missed the chance of being in an NFL game with injuries closing his season with the Giants in 2021. Unable to progress much with the Niners, his story seemed to end there. Hikutini found his new home with the Michigan Panthers, and that’s where the tables were turned. And guess what? Aaron Wilson seems to have taken a closer look at it.

On 3rd August, the analyst posted on his X account, “Multiple #NFL teams have interest in @USFLPanthers tight end Cole Hikutini, per league sources. After a strong season where he finished second among tight ends in yards per reception, four-year veteran expected to be back in NFL soon, previously.” It seems like it was banger after banger for the vet TE. Well, Wilson didn’t forget to share two of Cole’s recent showcases of undeniable talent and potential.

One of his best plays was seen against the Memphis Showboats on 19th May, when the Panthers’ QB, Brian Lewerke, found Cole Hikutini for a leading 21-yard TD. And this led them to a crushing victory over the Showboats. Being a combination of a WR and an OL, the vet TE was also seen to block the RB in the game against the Defenders. However, that’s not where it ends.

It seems like 2023 was a boon for Cole as he scored second spot on the list of TEs in yards per reception, which came with his coverage of 239 yards followed by 21 receptions, leading to 5 TDs. Moreover, Hikutini’s arrival has changed the Panthers’ WL record from 2-8 in 2022 to 4-6 in 2023. More Wins, that’s what a team wants.

What a comeback for a player who failed to prove himself till 2022! With a strong 2023 season at Hikutini’s back, Aaron seemed to predict his future.

Potential landing spots for Cole Hikutini

The ex-49ers’ TE might make his way back to the NFL in no time. And the biggest question is where he can land. Well, the NFL draft is already over and it seems like the NFL world can expect to see the return of a vet-TE in 2025. Moreover, his former homes are already facing troubles with some of their new picks.

Cameron Latu, the 3rd round pick of the 49ers had his first training camp full of dropped passes leading to his false start on Zakelj in the second practice session. The loophole of his knee injury still keeps him in the 49ers. As a result, the Niners’ TE room seems to be overhauled, and that’s where their ex-TE can return. But, the Niners are not the only team going through troubles with their TE.

Teagan Quitoriano, Texans‘ TE, was carted off the field in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game versus the Chicago Bears. This was preceded by groin and oblique injuries from his last season. Moreover, his 2023 season was also haunted by a knee injury against the Carolina Panthers. It seems like, Cole’s path to return to the NFL is not far, as Texans might look for a vet TE soon.

Well, the question now is: Will Houston bring back the Panthers’ TE? Or will the 49ers bring back their TE who has never been on the gridiron with them?