The Cincinnati Bengals are entering a pivotal offseason, as General Manager Duke Tobin has highlighted contract decisions concerning three of the team’s key players: wide receivers Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins, along with defensive standout Trey Hendrickson. In a recent conversation with Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Tobin discussed the team’s priorities and the challenges ahead.
Jamar Chase: A Record-Setting Deal on the Horizon?
Among the three, Jamar Chase’s contract extension is the Bengals’ top priority. Chase previously turned down an offer that would have made him one of the highest-paid receivers, seeking a deal that surpasses Justin Jefferson’s contract. Reports indicate that Chase is aiming for a contract exceeding $40 million per year, which would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The Bengals are well aware of his importance to their future and seem committed to securing him for the long term.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has also voiced concerns over the team’s retention of talent, emphasizing the need to keep Chase in Cincinnati. While the timing remains uncertain, securing Chase’s future is expected to be the Bengals’ first major move this offseason.
Tee Higgins: A Difficult Negotiation Ahead
Tee Higgins is set to become a free agent, and his contract situation presents a much tougher challenge. Higgins is widely considered the top available receiver in free agency, and Tobin acknowledged that retaining him will be “really hard.” While a franchise tag remains a possibility, the Bengals have yet to confirm their plans.
Complicating matters further, Higgins recently switched agents, now being represented by Rocky Arceneaux, who also manages Jamar Chase. This shared representation could either streamline negotiations or create leverage for a massive payday. While Burrow has advocated for keeping Higgins in Cincinnati, financial constraints may push the team to let him test the open market.
Trey Hendrickson: A Potentially Volatile Situation
Defensive end Trey Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2023 and earned first-team All-Pro honors. Entering the final year of his contract at just under $16 million, Hendrickson is significantly underpaid compared to his production. Tobin acknowledged that Hendrickson has “earned a pay raise,” but negotiations are expected to be difficult.
Hendrickson previously requested a trade after the Bengals offered him an extension that fell below market value. If Cincinnati fails to offer a competitive deal, the situation could escalate quickly, potentially leading to another trade request. Given the defensive struggles Cincinnati faced last season, keeping Hendrickson happy should be a priority.
Navigating the Financial Tightrope
With three key players in need of major contract adjustments, the Bengals face a delicate balancing act. Jamar Chase appears to be the first domino to fall, but Higgins’ future remains uncertain, and Hendrickson’s situation has the potential to turn contentious if not addressed properly.
The Bengals have difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks as they approach the franchise tag deadline and free agency. How they handle these contract negotiations could shape the franchise’s competitiveness for years to come.