The Cincinnati Bengals had a decent season, finishing 3rd in the AFC North with a 9-8 record. Now that the season has ended, one big question looms over them: will they be able to keep both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase on the team for next season? The situation with Chase isn’t particularly challenging, as at least the framework for that is in place. The real difficulties the Bengals may encounter lie with Higgins.

The interesting thing is that in whichever direction contract negotiations go with either of them, Joe Burrow will have a say in that. Recently Duke Tobin (Bengals director of player personnel) told the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway about how he had already met the star QB and discussed with him the offseason plans. He said, “They have an honest conversation about what can/can’t be done. Now we wait and see who stays and who goes.” Well, this will be good news for Higgins’ fans as Burrow has already suggested how he would love for Higgins to be back.

The question now is whether the Bengals can negotiate a contract with Higgins that is agreeable to both sides. This might be challenging not just for Higgins, but for Chase too. Both wide receivers are pillars of the team and will expect to be compensated accordingly. However, with Hendrickson already securing a record contract deal, and after Tobin’s recent statement, it appears quite difficult. He said, “We can’t have guys at the top of the payroll in every position, right?” “We’ll do what we can. We’ll do what we feel is right, and we will try to get Trey re-signed. It’s not giving anybody an extension. It’s agreeing with somebody on an extension.” 

Since 2021 the Trio of Burrows, Chase, and Higgins has been the backbone of the team and Bengals’ fans will be hoping they are there together for the upcoming seasons as well.

Will we see Burrows, Chase, and Higgins together again at the Bengals?

The great thing for the Bengals and their aspirations of keeping the star trio together is that they want to be together. Burrows was the first one to talk about the same as the QB mentioned, “Whenever a great player leaves, you wish you could have found a way to keep them.” He continued, “You don’t want to make a living out of letting great players leave the building. And, you know, I think that’s why you got to do everything you can to get those deals done early.”

There were also reports of the trio’s behind-the-scenes talks about their wish to play together for several years. Great news for the Bengals fans. Another interesting thing that might come into play here is that Higgins and Chase now have the same manager. Well, it seems like all things point toward Burrows, Chase, and Higgins staying together at the Bengals. It will now all boil down to how the Bengals Front Office deals with the situation.

The Bengals’ success hinges on all 3 players staying for the upcoming seasons. The Bengals’ next steps depend on whether they keep both of their wide receivers. Well with that happen? We Will just need to wait and watch.