The Cincinnati Bengals know that a repeat of the disaster that was the 2024 season is unacceptable for the 2025 season. Despite getting an MVP-caliber season from star quarterback Joe Burrow and winning their final five games of the regular season, the Bengals failed to make the playoffs.

As poor as the season was for Cincinnati, the Bengals’ issues were not on the offensive side of the ball, as they had arguably the best unit in the league. That is why it’s so critical for Cincinnati to secure its stars on that side of the ball to long-term extensions.

Most of the attention this offseason has been placed on wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. Unfortunately for Bengals fans, Chase and the franchise appear far apart at this stage of negotiations, and the team placed the franchise tag on Higgins for the second consecutive year.

The good news for Bengals fans is that the team has agreed to terms with another offensive player held in high regard, who could be just as crucial to Burrow’s success next season, according to one prominent Bengals insider.

“Bengals have signed G Jaxson Kirkland to a one-year contract extension through the 2025 season. Could be in the mix for starting guard spot this season. Bengals have held him in high regard since signing him in 2023 as a UDFA.

“Kirkland spent the first five games of the 2024 season on the active roster and saw action in two contests, then spent the remainder of the season on the Reserve/Injured list with a biceps injury,” reported Bengals insider Mike Petraglia on Wednesday.

While it may not be the extension Bengals fans have been hoping for, it could still end up being one that plays a major role in getting Cincinnati back to the playoffs after a two-year drought.

It’ll be interesting to see what other moves Cincinnati makes this off-season.