The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a challenging offseason due to significant contract issues affecting the team. Wide receiver Tee Higgins requested a trade shortly after being franchise-tagged, followed by star defensive end Trey Hendrickson seeking a trade for a new contract.
The Bengals’ struggle to manage contract extensions stems from balancing the recent massive extension for quarterback Joe Burrow and the impending need to extend wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The team picked up Chase’s fifth-year option, guaranteeing him $21.8 million for the 2025 season, but Chase is pushing for a sooner deal.
NFL analyst Adam Schefter reported that both Higgins and Chase are skipping voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) as they push for new contracts. While skipping OTAs is common for players negotiating contracts, the absence of both star receivers highlights the Bengals’ predicament.
Losing Higgins and Chase would be a significant blow to the Bengals’ offense, necessitating swift action from the front office to ensure their key offensive players feel valued. Complicating matters, Tyler Boyd, who could have been a fallback option, signed with the Titans in free agency. Beyond Chase and Higgins, the Bengals’ receiving corps saw a steep decline in production, with no other receiver surpassing 500 yards in the 2023 season. Tight end Tanner Hudson was the next-highest performer with 352 yards.
The Bengals are in a tough spot with their offensive stars and may need to make difficult decisions to stay within budget, such as potentially trading Higgins to extend Chase. Higgins has been involved in trade discussions and his demand for a substantial contract might lead to his departure. Chase, being the more prolific player, is seen as crucial for a long-term deal.
The situation with Hendrickson is also complicated. After an impressive 17.5 sacks in the 2023 season and signing a one-year, $21 million extension, he now seeks a long-term contract.
Losing any of these three players could significantly impact the team’s performance, risking unraveling the progress made in their 9-8 season. The Bengals’ front office must find a way to retain their core players to remain competitive for another Super Bowl run in 2024.
