The Cincinnati Bengals had a tumultuous 2024 season, finishing with a 9-8 record. Despite a strong finish to their season, they struggled with consistency, ultimately missing the playoffs.
Quarterback Joe Burrow had a standout year, throwing for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns, but the team's running game faltered, ranking 30th in the league.
Amidst the ups and downs, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase shone brightly. Chase had an exceptional season, catching 127 passes for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. His performance solidified him as Burrow's primary target and one of the league's top receivers.
As Chase enters contract negotiations, the Bengals are aware of the financial implications. Reports suggest that Chase's contract could be one of the most lucrative in NFL history, reflecting his value to the team.
The Bengals have expressed their willingness to meet his demands, understanding the importance of securing their star player for the future.
"We know what it looks like. We know it's the design that we have to follow and if he's the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, we accept that," said General Manager Duke Tobin.
The Bengals' future looks promising with Chase in the fold, but the team must address other areas to achieve sustained success.
As contract talks progress, all eyes will be on the Bengals to see if they can secure their star receiver and continue their ascent in the NFL.
The Bengals need to be cautious here. As of now, the Cincinnati Bengals have approximately $44.2 million in effective cap space for the 2025 season.
This gives them some flexibility to sign new players and potentially restructure existing contracts to build a competitive roster around key players like Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.
It will be interesting to see what the team will come up with and address their needs for the coming season.
