The Cincinnati Bengals made a big move this offseason by placing the franchise tag on Tee Higgins for the second consecutive year, ensuring he stays with the team for the 2025 season. While that temporarily solves one wide receiver dilemma, it may have just made things even trickier on another front—securing a long-term deal with their star wideout, Ja'Marr Chase.
Chase, who is under contract through next season, hasn’t been shy about expressing his feelings on the situation. Shortly after the team’s decision, he took to social media and posted a meme of quarterback Joe Burrow looking confused and annoyed—a not-so-subtle hint at his own frustrations. This reaction raises some big questions as free agency looms and the Bengals continue to navigate their roster challenges.
Why is Chase Unhappy? A Few Possible Reasons:
-
Loyalty to Higgins – Chase and Higgins share a strong bond both on and off the field. They’ve been a dynamic duo for Cincinnati, and Chase likely hoped the team would commit to Higgins long-term rather than using the franchise tag as a temporary fix.
-
Concerns Over His Own Contract – The Bengals have been working on a massive extension for Chase, one that’s expected to shake up the entire non-quarterback market. But with slow progress and the team opting to tag Higgins instead of securing him with a long-term contract, Chase might be wondering how that affects his own future negotiations.
-
Financial Constraints – Cincinnati has already made Joe Burrow one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, which means they have to be strategic with their spending. Locking up both Higgins and Chase for the long haul won’t be cheap, and Chase could be concerned about whether the Bengals will be able to afford the deal he wants.
What This Means for the Bengals
By tagging Higgins, Cincinnati is essentially hitting the pause button on a major decision. It allows them to keep a key piece of their offense intact for another season, but it doesn’t provide long-term clarity. The move signals that they may not be ready—or able—to commit to both Higgins and Chase with lucrative deals at the same time.
For Chase, this decision could be a sign that he needs to brace for a tough negotiation process. If he was expecting a smooth extension that would secure his future with the Bengals, the team’s handling of Higgins might be making him second-guess just how straightforward things will be.
The Road Ahead: Will Frustration Turn into Conflict?
The Bengals are in win-now mode, aiming to bring home their first-ever Lombardi Trophy. That means keeping their best weapons happy and ensuring stability in their roster. However, Chase’s apparent frustration could create a ripple effect if the Bengals don’t handle this carefully.
The coming months will be crucial. Will Cincinnati find a way to secure Chase with a groundbreaking deal? Will Higgins eventually get the long-term contract he wants, or is he destined to test free agency in 2026? And perhaps the biggest question—will Chase’s relationship with the Bengals take a hit if negotiations don’t go as smoothly as he hopes?
One thing is certain: the Bengals’ offseason just got a whole lot more interesting, and all eyes will be on Chase, Higgins, and the front office as they navigate these high-stakes decisions.
Login