Bengals Free Company 2025: NFL insider shares skepticism on offers for Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase and others

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler not too long ago reported that the Cincinnati Bengals had been going to make an try to signal Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson to contract extensions. The report got here after franchise quarterback Joe Burrow spent Tremendous Bowl week publicly calling for the entrance workplace to take action.

Thursday, Fowler appeared on SportsCenter and confirmed a little bit of skepticism relating to the group pulling it off.

“I’m listening to that they will strive [to sign all three],” Fowler stated. “It’s unsure whether or not they can pull it off, and lots of people across the league are skeptical. However they acquired Trey Hendrickson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. They’re going to attempt to pull all that off if they’ll.”

Whereas the Bengals could intend to increase all three of their stars, pulling it off may very well be troublesome. Chase is projected to demand $40 million per season. Higgins’ franchise tag quantity is $26 million, however he ought to demand round $30 per season on an extension. Hendrickson basically requested for a pay elevate and extension or a commerce out of Cincinnati.

The leap within the NFL wage cap is sweet information for the Bengals. The wage cap is projected to be $277.5 million to $281.5 million. The leap definitely helps the Bengals by way of cap flexibility, however the hangups in most Bengals negotiations not too long ago have revolved round ensures.

The Bengals don’t like to ensure cash past the primary yr of a contract for non-quarterbacks, however all three of Chase, Higgins, and Hendrickson will need simply that.

Do you assume the Bengals can retain all three gamers long run? Tell us under within the feedback!