The Cincinnati Bengals face a tough financial situation regarding their roster for 2025, especially concerning their supporting cast for quarterback Joe Burrow. With Burrow’s large contract already in place, the team will be forced to make difficult decisions about their star players, particularly at the receiver position. Both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, crucial pieces of the Bengals’ high-powered offense, are seeking new contracts, and the team may not have the financial flexibility to retain both.
NFL analyst Mike Florio shared his perspective on the situation in a recent episode of Pro Football Talk. He expressed his belief that while the Bengals will prioritize keeping Ja’Marr Chase, they will likely have to part ways with Tee Higgins. Florio pointed out that while keeping both players would be ideal, the Bengals will face significant salary cap challenges that could make it impossible to afford both stars. Burrow himself has emphasized Higgins’ importance to the team, signaling his preference for keeping him, but the financial reality could make that difficult.
The Bengals are currently in a tough spot, ranking third in the AFC North with a 5-8 record. Despite some struggles this season, especially with the defense, their offense—led by Burrow and his receiving corps—has been the bright spot. However, the financial constraints could lead to hard decisions in the offseason.
Burrow’s off-field issues, such as a recent burglary at his home, have only added to the tension surrounding the team. While these incidents are unrelated to his play on the field, they have sparked public interest in his personal life, especially rumors linking him to Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Olivia Ponton. This only adds to the pressure on Burrow as the face of the franchise, who must navigate both on-field struggles and off-field distractions.
As the Bengals move forward, the primary concern will likely be how to balance Burrow’s future with the needs of the team. The salary cap will be a major factor, and with Burrow’s hefty contract already impacting the Bengals’ flexibility, it’s unclear how they’ll manage to retain both Chase and Higgins, two of the most dynamic young receivers in the league.
This looming situation is not just about finances—it’s about team chemistry and the future direction of the Bengals. Losing one of Burrow’s top targets could impact the offense significantly, and there’s no guarantee that the team can replicate the success they’ve found with the current trio of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins.
Moreover, the Bengals’ defense has struggled this season, and there are questions about how much of the team’s resources should go toward improving that side of the ball. Will the team invest in defensive upgrades, or will they prioritize keeping Burrow’s supporting cast intact? This is a decision that Bengals management will need to address soon, as the team’s future could hinge on it.
For Bengals fans, the uncertainty surrounding the team’s roster decisions heading into 2025 is a cause for concern. While the offense has been productive, the potential loss of Higgins or Chase would significantly alter the dynamic, and the defense must improve if the team is to remain competitive in the AFC North.
In the coming months, the Bengals will need to make crucial decisions to maintain their competitive edge. Retaining Burrow’s supporting cast will likely be a priority, but the financial realities may force them to choose between Chase and Higgins. How the Bengals handle this dilemma will shape the future of the team as they look to build around their franchise quarterback.
As the Bengals continue to navigate this challenging offseason, it will be interesting to see how they balance the financial constraints with the desire to keep their offense intact. If they can successfully manage these roster decisions, they could remain a force in the AFC. But if they fail to retain their key players, it could significantly set back their championship aspirations for the coming years.