The Cincinnati Bengals have a major financial puzzle ahead of them, and many in the NFL world believe they have zero chance of solving it. With wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, along with defensive end Trey Hendrickson all due for big paydays, it seems like an impossible task to keep them all. But is it really?
Not everyone is counting the Bengals out. Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter is one of the few voices who believe Cincinnati will break its traditional approach to make things work. During a conversation with Kay Adams this week, Carter made a compelling case for why the Bengals might just rewrite their own rulebook.
"I believe Tee Higgins, they're going to try to bring him back to Cincinnati," Carter stated. "Cincinnati is trying to do things they've never done before. They don't guarantee money in the second year—Joe Burrow is the only player they've made that exception for. So you have to throw away that model because you can't sign Chase and Higgins without guaranteeing money into the second year."
That’s a massive shift for the Bengals, who have historically resisted changing their contract structures. Their reluctance to guarantee money beyond the first year has been a hallmark of their financial approach. Joe Burrow, their franchise quarterback, is the only exception so far. But let’s be real—if Cincinnati wants to keep their elite talent together and remain a serious Super Bowl contender, that old philosophy has to go.
Think about it—Chase is expected to command around $40 million per year on his extension. That’s a massive number, but it’s also what a generational receiver like him deserves. Meanwhile, reports suggest the Bengals are willing to do everything possible to meet Burrow’s expectations, and we all know Burrow wants his top weapons on the field with him. If Burrow is the face of the franchise, Chase and Higgins are his right-hand men.
Here’s why Carter’s point makes sense:
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The AFC North is only getting tougher – The Bengals can’t afford to lose offensive firepower when teams like the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns continue to strengthen their rosters.
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Burrow needs his playmakers – A quarterback as talented as Burrow is at his best when he has elite weapons. Chase and Higgins aren't just good; they’re among the best in the league.
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Breaking precedent isn’t necessarily a bad thing – Yes, it’s a risk, but holding onto Chase and Higgins secures the team’s competitive edge for years to come.
Cincinnati has already proven they’re willing to shift gears when the situation demands it. They broke their traditional structure to lock in Burrow. Why not do the same for Chase and Higgins? The reality is that these two receivers are more than just important players—they're extensions of Burrow himself. They define this offense, and keeping them ensures Cincinnati remains a top contender.
It all boils down to this—if the Bengals are serious about competing for championships, they have to evolve. They’ve already taken one step by securing Burrow. Now, it’s time for the next move. And if Carter is right, don’t be surprised if Cincinnati shocks the NFL world once again by finding a way to make it all work. The challenge is big, but the reward? Even bigger.
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