The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of eyes on them in 2024. Some of those eyes are focused on their two star wide receivers. That is because Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have yet to receive contract extensions.
Should Bengals fans be concerned about this? Well, the latest news is not going to put Bengals fans at ease.
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins Skip Voluntary OTAs
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins did not show up for the beginning of the team’s voluntary OTAs. There were already eyes on both of these wide receivers heading into the offseason.
That is because neither wide receiver has a long-term contract yet. What do each of these situations look like? Let’s take a closer look.
Tee Higgins
Higgins is arguably the messier of the two situations. That is because the Bengals decided to place their franchise tag on Higgins this offseason. Because of this, Higgins is expected to make nearly $22 million this upcoming season.
He is 25 years old and this is the last year of his rookie contract. Because of this, Higgins is due for a massive pay raise moving forward. The Bengals still need to decide if they are going to be the team to give that raise to Higgins.
Ja’Marr Chase
Is Chase’s situation any better? Well, he has not reached the point of needing a franchise tag just yet.
Chase is still in the middle of his rookie contract. In 2024, he will earn just under $10 million. Then, the Bengals have already decided to pick up Chase’s fifth year option in 2025, where Higgins will receive just under $22 million.
It will be another 2-3 years before the Bengals have to decide what to do with Chase long-term. In theory, the franchise tag could come into play by 2026. However, the longer the Bengals keep Chase, the less salary cap space there will be for other players.
Cincinnati Bengals Moving Forward
So, what does this all mean for the Bengals? It likely means the Bengals will either have a salary cap issue or they will part ways with at least one of these wide receivers in the near future. With QB Joe Burrow recovering from a wrist injury he suffered from last season, there is high potential for the Bengals’ offense to succeed in 2024.
