Some analysts predicted the Cincinnati Bengals would have a tough time keeping the band together, and it seems like they were right on point.
Even though they’ve already used the franchise tag on star WR Tee Higgins, they might not be able to hold onto him for much longer.
According to a report by Dan Graziano of ESPN, the reason they tagged him so early in the offseason was so they could move on from him and trade him (via Dov Kleiman).
Many people at the #NFLCombine think the reason the #Bengals franchised tagged Tee Higgins so early is so 'they could trade him,' per @DanGrazianoESPN
With a Ja'Marr Chase extension likely coming this offseason or next, keeping the duo around QB Joe Burrow will be difficult.… pic.twitter.com/KiP9UoHBB9
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 3, 2024
The Bengals know they will need to pay star WR Ja’Marr Chase either this offseason or the next one, and they’ve already spent a lot of money on Joe Burrow.
That’s why the $30 million uptick in the salary cap still might not be enough for them to keep their star core of wide receivers together.
Tyler Boyd might walk away in free agency, but they could get some nice value in return for Higgins.
Higgins is still quite young, and some believe he could get them a late-first or second-round pick before the NFL Draft.
Needless to say, this could be a massive blow for the team’s offense, especially considering they’ve also lost offensive coordinator Brian Callahan.
Committing such a big chunk of the salary cap to just two players isn’t a blueprint for success.
But the Bengals cannot afford to break up one of the deadliest quarterback-wide receiver duos in recent NFL history, so they’ll be forced to make some tough decisions and let great players find a new home.
NEXT: Bengals Have Made A Decision About Jake Browning's Future