The Cincinnati Bengals say they want to keep the band together.
The Cincinnati Bengals say they want to keep the band together. Joe Burrow has made the obvious request to keep both his star wideouts, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, in Cincinnati for as long as possible, and the Bengals say they're on board.
But how "on board" can a team be when the cost of doing business is so overly prohibitive?
It's not just the contracts of Chase and Higgins, but the team is also trying to keep star defender Trey Hendrickson, too. And The Athletic's Dianna Russini says as the Bengals and Chase begin talks for a new contract, they "remain far apart."
While Chase and Hendrickson each have one year left on their deals, Higgins can be free later this month. And if Cincinnati gets into a bidding way, it could drive the price up.
Chase hit career highs in 2024 with 127 catches for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns while winning the receiving Triple Crown.
Last offseason Chase was a "hold-in" at camp while refusing to practice with the hope of signing a new deal, but he returned to practice without one and played in Week 1.
The Bengals have until March 12 to get a deal done for Higgins, but the situation surrounding the deal for Chase could impact the team's decision on Higgins.
