After Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins secure $276M, Pat McAfee doubts Bengals’ future

Joe Burrow made it clear that keeping Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins was a must. When financial hurdles arose, he stepped up, offering to restructure his contract. Now, both receivers have secured massive extensions, solidifying Cincinnati’s offensive firepower. But with cap space dwindling, the Bengals face tough financial decisions ahead. The big question remains, how will they manage their roster while staying competitive?


The Bengals pulled off what many thought was impossible, securing both Chase and Higgins despite concerns about financial constraints. Ja’Marr Chase’s record-setting performances made his extension a no-brainer, and the team rewarded him with a historic 4-year, $161 million deal, including $112 million guaranteed. With an annual average salary of $40.25 million, Chase is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Meanwhile, Tee Higgins initially franchise-tagged secured his long-term future as well. His 4-year, $115 million extension, featuring two guaranteed years, makes him the highest-paid WR2 in the league at an average annual salary of $28.75 million. It’s a dream scenario for Burrow, who now has both of his top targets locked in for the foreseeable future.

While Bengals fans celebrate, analysts are scrutinizing the team’s financial flexibility moving forward. Former NFL punter and media personality Pat McAfee voiced the question on everyone’s mind: “What do they do with the rest of the salary cap?”
One looming concern is the future of defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The Pro Bowl pass rusher has yet to secure an extension, and rumors are swirling about a potential trade. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler even pointed to the Indianapolis Colts as a possible destination, citing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s past connections with Hendrickson from his Bengals tenure.
As it stands, Cincinnati has approximately $26.8 million in cap space. However, additional room may be needed to solidify their defense and address other roster needs. This brings Burrow’s contract restructuring into play once again. With his 5-year, $275 million contract, the Bengals have the flexibility to push cap hits into future years or convert portions into signing bonuses.
Locking down Chase and Higgins secures Cincinnati’s offensive firepower, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The team must now navigate the financial landscape wisely, ensuring that the defense doesn’t suffer in the process.
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For now, Bengals fans can revel in the fact that their franchise quarterback got exactly what he wanted, his top weapons staying put. But with the Super Bowl window wide open, the front office must make smart moves to keep Cincinnati in contention for years to come.