The Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason is shaping up to be tumultuous after a disappointing 9–8 season in 2024. Quarterback Joe Burrow is vocal about his desire to retain star players Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson. However, securing a deal with Higgins may pose a challenge, especially with Chase already set to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Higgins recently posted a cryptic emoji on social media that seems to indicate a rift between him and the Bengals over contract negotiations.

Despite some reports suggesting a franchise tag for Higgins, Bengals’ director of player personnel Duke Tobin expressed confidence in getting a long-term deal done, emphasizing Higgins’s value to the team. The Bengals must navigate these complicated negotiations wisely to maintain their competitive edge.

The Cincinnati Bengals are set to make Ja'Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, with plans for a long-term deal worth around $40 million annually. Chase's impressive stats this season include leading the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns, marking him as a key player in the Bengals' high-powered passing attack alongside Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins, who is also in line for a contract extension. Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin emphasized the importance of securing these deals early to better allocate resources for team development.

The Bengals are simultaneously looking to extend the contracts of other critical players, including All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who has consistently delivered strong performances in recent seasons. Despite missing the playoffs for the last two years, the Bengals remain committed to building a competitive roster around their star players.

Cincinnati Bengals' Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin and Head Coach Zac Taylor are set to speak at the 2025 NFL Combine, providing insights into the team's offseason strategies and roster adjustments. Tobin will address the media at 3:30 p.m. ET, focusing on potential moves to improve the roster, while Taylor's press conference will include updates on the coaching staff, particularly regarding the hiring of defensive coordinator Al Golden. The Bengals have had an eventful season, with speculation around player contracts and key decisions that could shape the future of the franchise.

The Combine presents a crucial opportunity for fans and analysts alike to gauge the Bengals' intentions moving forward. Included in the discussions will likely be the futures of standout players like Ja'Marr Chase and Evan McPherson, who have significant impacts on the team's prospects. Additionally, the hiring of Golden has generated excitement, and Taylor's commentary on this could provide clarity on the defensive strategy for the upcoming season.

The NFL quarterback landscape saw 59 different players starting games in the 2024 season, the lowest number in four years. Among them, Lamar Jackson of the Ravens stood out with 45 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions, showcasing his dual-threat capability. Rookie Jayden Daniels of the Commanders proved equally impressive, leading Washington to the NFC title game with 37 combined scores. Joe Burrow remained a pillar for the Bengals despite a disappointing season, while Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen both had standout campaigns that solidified their reputations as top signal-callers. Meanwhile, the struggles of various quarterbacks, including Baker Mayfield and Matthew Stafford, also highlighted the challenges faced by teams throughout the league.