The Cincinnati Bengals had lots of question marks with their top guys heading into free agency, but things have been cleared up a bit with extensions to Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, their two top wide receivers.
Chase reportedly signed a 4-year, $161 million extension, while Higgins signed a 4-year, $115 million extension.
These extensions are fantastic for Joe Burrow and Bengals fans, as the offense will continue to be a high-powered machine, with the main thing holding them back being the defense.
More news: Bengals Make Good on Joe Burrow Request, Sign Tee Higgins to Massive Extension
However, there is plenty of interesting background information that seems to lead to these two extensions. Months ago, Higgins changed agents to the same one as Chase.
The reasoning at the time was unclear, but in hindsight, it seems the reasoning was to help leverage extensions for both players.
Having the same agent meant the two players could negotiate on new contracts together, and also meant they could give the team an ultimatum.
If the Bengals didn’t resign Higgins, a free agent before his new contract, then Chase wouldn’t sign an extension and would leave.
In a savvy leverage move, Tee Higgins switched agents a few months ago, hiring Rocky Arcenaux—the same agent as Ja’Marr Chase. Knowing the #Bengals wanted to keep Chase and that Joe Burrow wanted Higgins to stay, Arcenaux told the team: no Ja’Marr deal without Tee.Now, both… https://t.co/bDfeJOA6Gj pic.twitter.com/CfsMvWVOE4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 17, 2025
That led the Bengals to also sign an extension with Chase, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
It is unclear if the Bengals would have let Higgins walk otherwise, but the team is now tied up with huge money for a couple of players.
This strategy, if true and preplanned, is a fascinating one and something future teammates can emulate if they desire.
While the NFL isn’t historically considered a players’ league, this negotiation tactic is something that does give some merit to the players in terms of the power they have over their organizations.
The next step for the Bengals is how to handle the Trey Hendrickson situation. Reports suggested the team granted him a trade request, but new reports are indicating they could also resign the star pass rusher.
If a new deal or trade isn’t conducted soon, the NFL draft could be a key indicator as to what the Bengals plan to do.
With the no. 17 pick in the draft, the Bengals could easily draft an edge rusher in what seems like a good draft to do so based on first-round level talent at the position.
While the Bengals now have a lot of money tied up among a few players, they at least will keep the fans engaged and score a lot of points in the coming seasons, giving them a chance to beat anybody on any given Sunday.
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