The Cincinnati Bengals finished the 2024 NFL season with another missed opportunity at the playoffs, and their offseason could potentially make matters worse. Quarterback Joe Burrow won the Comeback Player of the Year award for the second time in four years, following a season performance that pulled the Bengals back to a positive record of 9-8.
By week 10, the AFC North team were languishing at 4-6, having suffered losses to teams such as the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots and the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. A Burrow-led resurgence in the second half of the season brought the Bengals back to 7-8 and kept them in the playoff race.
However, they were eventually ousted in the final week – despite being 9-8 – due to the Denver Broncos’ 38-0 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
This marked the second consecutive year that the Bengals missed the playoffs, after reaching the AFC Championship game in 2022 – only to lose 23-20 to the Chiefs.
Burrow will be setting his sights on making his second Super Bowl since he was drafted in 2020, but to achieve this, he will require his best roster of offensive weapons at his disposal.
However, this may prove challenging, given that the AFC North team has numerous players heading into free agency and plenty of areas to address in the offseason. Here, we have outlined the potential nightmare scenarios which may unfold over the summer that could kick off the Bengals’ 2025 season on a sour note.
Tee Higgins enters free agency and departs
Tee Higgins faces uncertainty as his tenure with the Bengals may end on March 12 if he does not secure a new contract. Higgins, the first pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has been pivotal in Cincinnati’s ascent.
The 26-year-old is entering his prime years as a wide receiver, and the decision to retain him poses a challenge for the team. Bengals’ staff might opt for a fresh approach at receiver in 2025, and could consider removing his £16.7million ($21m) salary from plans.
Teams like the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, and AFC rivals Buffalo Bills are keen, with Higgins stirring interest across the league. An unnamed NFL general manager told La Canfora that the Patriots have set their sights on Higgins, and it is reported they “really want” him.
The Bengals face the risk of losing a star like Higgins without any trade gains but might let him go to overhaul their offense. With a £37m ($47m) salary cap, funds could instead reinforce offensive lines or enhance secondary defence, as speculation over their next moves mounts.
Burrow is willing to restructure his contract (Image: Getty)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Joe Burrow turns down revised contract offer
Joe Burrow has made it clear that he will rework his hefty contract to ensure the Cincinnati Bengals retain their key players for a shot at Super Bowl glory in 2025. With wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and defensive end Trey Hendrickson due for new deals, and the potential exit of star Higgins looming, Burrow is determined to keep the squad intact.
Despite securing a five-year $275M extension, the two-time MVP finalist is open to altering his deal. Burrow said: “The Eagles are paying everybody. That seems like the way. Whatever they’re doing.”
He further expressed his commitment in an interview on the Pardon My Take podcast, explaining how restructuring could provide the necessary cap space. Burrow added: “You could convert some of the money to a signing bonus, which will lower the cap hit.
“You can push some of the money to the back end of the contract. That lowers the cap hit. And then when you get to the back end of the contract, you can restructure it and convert it to a signing bonus. You can also just take less money.
“I want to make it happen. Everybody involved – Trey, Tee, Ja’Marr, Mike G – we all want to stay together. When you have guys that are motivated like that I think you can get those things done.”
However, if the Bengals mishandle this situation and let Higgins go, Burrow could potentially refuse to restructure his contract – putting the team in a difficult financial position. This could hypothetically lead to internal disputes due to Burrow’s substantial annual salary and may result in other high-profile stars leaving the AFC North facility.
The Bengals need some stars to add to their roster (Image: Getty)
NFL Draft and free agency nightmare
The potential issues surrounding Burrow’s contract could also have a knock-on effect on the Bengals’ Draft movements and their desired college football stars. The Bengals hold the 17th pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, along with one pick each in the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.
Burrow is a significant attraction for college stars to join the Bengals, as are their other offensive stars – including Chase, Higgins and running back Chase Brown. However, if problems arise in the offseason for the AFC North team, some incoming picks might be deterred from joining the Bengals.
Additionally, several players are nearing or entering the free agency market heading into 2025. Higgins is the most notable example, but others include B.J Hill, Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson, Geno Stone, Zack Moss and Trenton Brown.
Selecting new players from the Draft and keeping their top talents as free agents may be challenging for the Bengals, forcing them to decide who they want to retain the most.
