As the combine is wrapping up, we have a Bengals update on extending the big three. Some of it is good, while some of it is a tad concerning. The best news is that the Bengals are actively trying to extend all three. In this article, I’ll go in depth with where they stand and what I’d personally do with all three. And while you’re here, make sure you subscribe to the Nati Sports Newsletter to never miss an update!
Ja’Marr Chase is not Pleased
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Bengals have made an offer to Ja’Marr Chase, but the two remain far apart. This is not ideal news, as the Bengals want to get this done as quickly as possible. Duke Tobin went on record this week saying Ja’Marr Chase will be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL after they extend him. I am hearing that the annual number ranges anywhere from $38 to 41 million. The guarantees are still being worked out, but I can practically guarantee he will be extended before the 2025 season begins.
The smartest move was to extend him before the 2024 season. It could have saved the Bengals at least $5 million on the annual number. Now Ja’Marr has a first-team all-pro season under his belt, winning the triple crown and racking up over 1,700 yards. The Bengals need to open up the checkbook and get their best offensive player under contract.
The Hope with Tee Higgins
The Bengals and Tee Higgins have been in negotiations for about three years now. Not good news in that regard. They should have had him extended many, many years ago and saved a handful of dollars. After a rocky relationship with former agent David Mulugheta of Athletes First, Tee Higgins has switched agents to be with Ja’Marr. I can confirm that the Bengals are eager to extend Tee Higgins after multiple years of trying, and the feeling is mutual on both sides.
It sounds to me like they will pay him north of $25 million per season. I could see it extending him through the 2027 season, locking him down for an additional 3 years. The Bengals need to work quickly with this as free agency opens on Monday, March 10th. They will more than likely apply the tag.
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Where Does Trey Hendrickson Fall?
The Bengals and Trey Hendrickson remain the most unclear situation. The first-team all-pro and NFL sack leader is looking for some financial security. And the Bengals want to get something done. However, Trey Hendrickson is entering his age-30 season. While he has shown no signs of slowing down, it makes it harder to guarantee three or four more years of the same production.
If I was the general manager of the Bengals, I would offer him a two-year extension, making him the highest-paid edge in the league. New defensive coordinator Al Golden will need as many pieces as possible, and getting rid of Trey would be a huge pill to swallow. There is also a scenario where the Bengals obtain a few draft picks for Hendrickson and draft or sign his replacement. As hard as that would be to swallow, it would make sense from a business standpoint. Regardless, Hendrickson will go down as one of the best pass rushers in team history.
The Plan for 2025
We’re always thankful when we have a Bengals update on extending the big three. The Bengals are going to work tirelessly to make sure all three of these guys are on the 2025 roster. It will be tough, but they have the money to get it done. The key to success in the NFL is to retain your star players. Quarterback Joe Burrow has adamantly stated his case for keeping all three, and the Bengals best keep their franchise happy. Hopefully, they will make the right decisions. It’ll be an interesting couple of weeks, so stay tuned.
