Joe Burrow Takes Bold Stand to Secure Bengals’ Future – What’s His Next Move?

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow expressed confidence that the team can retain star wide receiver Tee Higgins, who is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. Burrow hinted that he might even adjust his contract to make room for Higgins, though he kept specifics vague following the Bengals’ 27-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night.

Burrow’s Commitment to Higgins

When asked about the team’s ability to re-sign Higgins, Burrow stated, “I’m confident we are going to be able to do what it takes to bring Tee back. I know that I am going to do what it takes to get him back.” He added that negotiations would take place during the offseason but emphasized the team’s eagerness to secure the talented receiver’s return.

Higgins, currently playing under a $21.8 million franchise tag, has been a crucial component of the Bengals’ offensive success. However, a second franchise tag would come with a steep price increase, and many players are reluctant to accept such deals twice.

Higgins’ Role and Value

Despite being the Bengals’ No. 2 receiver behind Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins has built an impressive NFL resume. Since being drafted 33rd overall in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he has consistently delivered on the field. Higgins is one of only three receivers in the league with at least five touchdown receptions in each of the past five seasons.

Even while battling hamstring and quadriceps injuries this season, Higgins has remained a reliable target, contributing to the Bengals’ potent passing attack. At just 25 years old, he has significant potential for continued success in the league.

Ja’Marr Chase’s Future Also in Play

While the Bengals face the challenge of re-signing Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase’s contract situation also looms. The team picked up the fifth-year option on Chase’s rookie deal, keeping him under contract through the 2025 season. However, the star receiver could decide to hold out, similar to Dallas Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb, who secured a $136 million, four-year deal after skipping the 2024 offseason.

When asked if he could imagine playing without Chase, Burrow was clear: “I don’t want to have that. We feed off each other. We make each other better.”

Chase, the 2021 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, currently leads the NFL with 1,319 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. His partnership with Burrow dates back to their championship-winning season at LSU in 2019. The quarterback acknowledged that playing with such a dynamic and intelligent receiver has been critical to his success.

Potential Contract Adjustments

Burrow himself signed a $275 million, five-year extension in 2023, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. When asked whether he would restructure his contract to create salary cap space for Higgins or Chase, Burrow replied, “We’ll see.”

Restructuring Burrow’s deal could free up valuable cap space, allowing the Bengals to retain both receivers and maintain their formidable offensive trio.

Looking Ahead

As the Bengals push toward the playoffs, the futures of Higgins and Chase will be key storylines in the offseason. With Burrow expressing both confidence and personal willingness to help, the team’s management faces a pivotal decision in keeping its offensive core intact.

By securing Higgins and extending Chase’s contract, Cincinnati could ensure long-term stability for one of the NFL’s most dangerous passing attacks. As Burrow put it, “Hopefully, we can play together as long as we are in this league.”