So the Bengals have done the unthinkable. If you told anyone a month ago that they would spend $276 million for two receivers, 99% of people would have rejected the theory. But it happened. With this, Joe Burrow got his wish fulfilled. He now has both weapons at his disposal, but there is a question about the other part of the field. It’s the defense. The quarterback’s demands have put the side in a tough spot. Only the waiting game can help them come out of the deep waters they are in.
While talking about the deal on the March 17 episode of the Dan Patrick Show, reporter Jeremy Fowler revealed the issue for the franchise. He said, “So they’ve cost themselves a lot now. They have Burrow, Chase, Higgins on really well over hundred million per year in just cash.” But he also talked about their plan for defense as he added, “Their defense has like minimal parts because they have to somehow draft and develop some guys on the cheap now.” It’s always about the next move.
The Bengals director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, must be thinking that they made the moves too late. They could have signed Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for at least $10 to $20 million less if they had been proactive in 2024.
Both receivers gave the best performances of their careers last year. Chase got a triple crown by leading the league in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and receiving touchdowns (17). Higgins also came up with 10 touchdowns in 12 games (nine started). So it was a mix of both that Joe Burrow wanted by his side to succeed further in the league. The WR2 made a big move by signing with Chase’s agent. So it was a bit of a package deal that the Bengals gave them.
Overall, both receivers will be happy. So will the quarterback and the fans. Despite that, they do have to sort out their defensive depth before it gets too late.
Joe Burrow & co. might get their DE back
In 2023, his second year with the Bengals, DE Trey Hendrickson signed a contract extension until 2025. But the last 2 seasons proved that he has all the tools required to stop the mounting offenses. With 35 sacks and 1,565 snaps in 2023 and 2024, Trey Hendrickson has emerged as the perfect answer to their defensive woes.
Via NFL.com
That’s why the Bengals also want him to sign up for longer. NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed, “The Bengals have now engaged with Tee Higgins on a new deal as well. Could they possibly lock up all of these guys, considering the amount of cash it might take, I would say yes. Yes, they could. The Bengals have done a lot right over the course of the last several days and weeks, may be on the verge of doing it again.” However, a few teams are lined up to sign up Joe Burrow’s teammate.
One of them is the AFC South team, Colts. They have also reached out to the defensive end. For those of you who don’t know, the Bengals have granted their player permission to talk to other teams and seek a trade. But now that they have sorted out their biggest concern, they’re turning their focus to this issue. But with predictions going as far as to surpass Maxx Crosby’s $106 million contract, it’ll be interesting to see if they can pull off the financial wizardry to resolve it.
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