The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping to sign both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to contract extensions this offseason, and they may be trending toward doing just that.
Higgins received the franchise tag from the Bengals on Tuesday for the second consecutive year. He has been open about wanting a long-term deal, but Cincinnati has also been trying to extend Chase.
Many have wondered if it is realistic for the Bengals to sign both Chase and Higgins. Chase led the NFL last season in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17). He likely wants to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, which would cost Cincinnati around $35 million per year.
The Bengals may be preparing to pay both of their top wideouts. On Thursday, star defensive end Trey Hendrickson was given permission to seek a trade. Hendrickson is entering the final year of his contract and is in line for a lucrative extension as well.
A second consecutive franchise tag for Higgins would cost $26.2 million. If the Bengals are willing to trade Hendrickson, that could be a sign that they are more focused on paying Higgins and Chase.
Higgins had 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in 12 games last season. He may not be the best receiver in Cincinnati, but many teams would view him as a No. 1 wideout. The Bengals will likely have to pay Higgins accordingly.
With Joe Burrow counting roughly $50 million against the salary cap each year, the Bengals have to decide if they feel they can pay a quarterback and two wideouts top dollar.
If they do wind up trading Hendrickson, that might be a strong indicator that they plan to prioritize their offensive core in the coming years.
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Palmer McAllister
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