CINCINNATI — After ending with the league’s worst report in 2019, the Cincinnati Bengals hit large within the 2020 draft, as evidenced by their first Tremendous Bowl berth in 33 years final season being fueled by a youth motion.
However all good issues come at a value, and for Cincinnati, it may very well be fairly steep. A trio of key gamers from their Tremendous Bowl staff — quarterback Joe Burrow, receiver Tee Higgins and linebacker Logan Wilson — can be eligible for contract extensions in 2023, which suggests the Bengals can have some main selections to make. Compounding issues, second-team All Professional receiver Ja’Marr Chase can be eligible for an extension in 2024.
It’s an intriguing time for a franchise hoping to ascertain consistency among the many league’s elite, and that objective can be predicated on whether or not it makes the proper strikes with its younger core.
Joe Burrow, QB
2021 stats: 70.4 completion share, 4,611 yards, 34 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 54.3 Whole QBR
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Inventory analysis: Coming off a significant left knee damage that ended his rookie season in 2020, Burrow cemented himself because the franchise quarterback. He withstood an unlimited quantity of pocket punishment — 70 sacks within the common season and playoffs. And Burrow answered the most important query about his sport — relating to arm energy — with 26 passes of 20 air yards or extra, in line with ESPN Stats & Info analysis. Burrow’s completion share on these deep targets was 11.9% over expectation, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. With a revamped offensive line and his first full offseason as a professional, he could also be on the cusp of his finest 12 months to this point.
Outlook: Every thing factors to Burrow receiving a contract extension that places him at — or very near — the highest of the market. Traditionally, the Bengals haven’t been shy about paying quarterbacks. In 2005, Carson Palmer obtained a contract extension that was price practically $119 million, which was huge cash on the time.
In June, Burrow stated he is aware of the quarterback market is exploding. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed a three-year, $150 million extension in March. However Burrow stated the subject isn’t on his thoughts. “I wish to make jokes about it, however actually, I haven’t considered it a lot proper now,” he stated.
Tee Higgins, WR
2021 stats: 74 catches, 1,091 yards, six touchdowns, 11.68 air yards per goal
Inventory analysis: When the Bengals drafted Higgins, he was somebody who might have crammed the function because the staff’s high huge receiver. He confirmed that functionality in the course of the 2021 season and took benefit of defenses seeking to cease Chase, who went on to win the Related Press Rookie of the Yr award and have among the best receiving seasons in franchise historical past. Between Week 11 and Week 15, Higgins posted 4 100-yard receiving video games, together with a 12-catch, 194-yard efficiency towards the Ravens in Week 16. His largest second got here in Tremendous Bowl LVI, when he had a 75-yard landing reception that gave the Bengals a lead within the second half.
Outlook: The huge receiver market has skyrocketed this offseason. In keeping with Roster Administration System, 11 huge receivers at the moment make greater than $20 million a 12 months. The Los Angeles Chargers are the lone staff with a number of gamers in that group (Mike Williams and Keenan Allen). The Chargers, just like the Bengals, can have a giant monetary determination to make a couple of quarterback at the moment on a rookie deal (Justin Herbert). Cincinnati is projected to have about $74.4 million in salary-cap area in 2023.
Logan Wilson, LB
2021 stats: 98 tackles, one pressured fumble, 4 interceptions, 4 go deflections
Inventory analysis: After spending his rookie season as Josh Bynes’ understudy, Wilson wore the “inexperienced dot” on his helmet, signaling his standing because the protection’s on-field communicator and as a go-to participant. He battled by means of a shoulder damage that pressured him to overlook three video games and returned to have a superb postseason, together with a stellar Tremendous Bowl LVI. Wilson turned in an MVP-worthy efficiency within the large sport — 9 tackles, three of which got here behind the road of scrimmage, and a go deflection.
The outlook: Inside linebackers usually value much less cash than outdoors linebackers, significantly ones in 3-4 defenses who’re actually simply edge rushers. In keeping with Roster Administration System, simply eight inside linebackers make greater than $10 million. Given the upcoming potential contract extensions for Burrow, Higgins and Chase, the Bengals should be considered of their defensive spending. However a contract extension for Wilson might symbolize a monetary win for either side.