ARLINGTON,Texas – The talk from key members of the Cincinnati Bengals leading into Monday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys was about making memories and enjoying the rest of this season despite a disappointing record.
Then quarterback Joe Burrow shifted the conversation.After the Bengals’ 27-20 win at AT&T Stadium, the final four games of the regular season might not be the end for Cincinnati’s offensive trio of Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Higgins has failed to reach a long-term deal with the team in each of the past two offseasons and is playing on the one-year franchise tag. But in his postgame news conference, Burrow said he believed the team will find a way to keep Higgins around.
“Those discussions are ongoing,” Burrow said. “I’m confident that I think we’re going to do what it takes to bring tee back.”
Burrow even went so far as to say that he will get personally involved in the matter.
“I know that I’m going to do what it takes to get him back and so is he,” Burrow said. “We’ve had those talks. Those are going to be offseason discussions. But I think we’re excited about that prospect.”
The odds to keep Higgins past this season have felt about as slim as Cincinnati’s playoff chances, even after a win that pushed the Bengals’ record to 5-8. Burrow is already making $55 million a year, and Chase, who leads the NFL in receiving yards, catches and touchdowns, is eyeing a deal that will make him the highest-paid receiver in league history.
But Burrow doubled down on his confidence in the financial logistics to keep Higgins, expressing it both in his news conference and at his locker after the game.
Higgins, Chase and Burrow were all selected by coach Zac Taylor to be the team’s pregame captains for Monday’s coin toss. That was the first time the trio, which has played together since 2021, represented the team for the toss.
Of the two wideouts, Chase was the one who had a big game. He finished with 14 catches on 18 targets for 177 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winner.With 1:01 left and the score tied, Chase caught a pass, spun loose and ran down the field for a 40-yard score that sealed it.
One of the main reasons Chase was able to have a huge outing,Burrow said,was Higgins just being on the field.
“You feel his presence when he is out there,” Burrow said of Higgins. “You feel how it affects the defense. You feel how it affects the defensive coordinator’s calls.Even if he’s not super productive on the night, teams have to worry about him and feel his presence.The defense is worried about him, and you feel that.”
Monday was one of those nights when Higgins’ production lacked. He joked that he should no longer be a game captain following his outing. He had two catches on five targets for 23 receiving yards.
Higgins, in his fifth year out of Clemson, appreciated the sentiment from his quarterback after the game. He also made a few things clear.
Without question, Higgins said, he wants a long-term deal this offseason. He isn’t ruling out the possibility of returning to Cincinnati but also knows the question about whether that is financially feasible can only be answered by the front office.
And when it comes to how to factor in his synergy with Burrow and what Higgins is looking for financially, there is a hierarchy.
“The relationships are more notable,” Higgins said in a corner of the visitors locker room. ”Financially, that’s going to come.”
The soonest the Bengals and Higgins can agree to a long-term deal is whenever the season ends. While Cincinnati isn’t technically eliminated, the Bengals have a 1.9% chance of making the postseason,per ESPN Research.
And given the uncertainty surrounding his future, Higgins cherished walking onto the field here with Burrow and Chase in front of a national TV audience.
“Like y’all said, this could be my last season [with the Bengals], so I definitely appreciated it, for sure,” Higgins said. “I love those guys to death.”
What are the expectations for the Cincinnati Bengals as they head into the offseason after a challenging season?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Ben Baby, ESPN Staff writer Covering the Cincinnati Bengals
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Ben! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the Cincinnati Bengals. It seems like this season has been a rollercoaster ride for the team, especially with their recent win against the Dallas cowboys. What’s the overall vibe around the bengals as we approach the end of the regular season?
Ben Baby: Good morning! It’s great to be hear. The vibe, despite the disappointing record, has shifted towards optimism. After their recent win, players are focusing on making memories and enjoying the moment. Joe Burrow has been vocal about the belief that, while this season hasn’t been ideal, they can still build something special moving forward.
Editor: That’s an engaging outlook. Speaking of Burrow, he made a significant statement about the future of wide receiver Tee Higgins. How pivotal is higgins to the Bengals’ offensive strategy, especially with his current one-year franchise tag situation?
Baby: Tee Higgins is absolutely crucial to the Bengals’ success. He complements Ja’Marr Chase perfectly, creating a dynamic receiving duo that can be quite challenging for defenses to manage. The fact that he’s on a franchise tag might be weighing on him, but Burrow’s confidence is encouraging. The ongoing discussions about a long-term deal are key becuase keeping Higgins would maintain the chemistry that they’ve built, especially as they aim to improve next season.
editor: That chemistry seems essential, especially with a young quarterback like Burrow. In what ways do you think his leadership is influencing the rest of the team,particularly in tough circumstances?
Baby: Burrow’s leadership is invaluable. He approaches each game with a calm demeanor, and that translates to the rest of the team.After tough losses, his focus on staying positive and continuing to work hard helps cultivate a resilient culture. He’s not just a quarterback; he is a leader who inspires confidence. his statement about believing in the management’s efforts to keep Higgins around shows he’s thinking about the collective success of the team, not just immediate wins.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a lot of trust being built within the team. How do you see the Bengals leveraging this momentum in their final games of the season?
Baby: The Bengals need to capitalize on their recent win to build momentum. Their remaining schedule will be critical for not onyl securing future contracts but also for fostering team chemistry heading into the offseason. If they can finish strong, it will extend the positivity into the next season and give them something to build on. Plus, they have the talent to compete in those games, so it’s about channeling that talent into consistent performance.
Editor: What are some key challenges you think the team will face as they try to close out the season on a high note?
Baby: Injuries have been a challenge for the Bengals, and they’ll need to navigate that carefully. Additionally, the pressure of contract negotiations and the uncertainty that could create might weigh on players’ minds, but they’ll need to focus on executing their game plan. Staying healthy and maintaining a positive mindset will be crucial down the stretch.
Editor: Very insightful, Ben! One last question: how does the fan base in Cincinnati view this season? Are they still engaged despite the struggles?
Baby: The Bengals’ fan base is incredibly passionate and supportive. Even in tough times, they continue to rally around the team.They remember the success from the last few seasons and hold onto hope for the future. The fans want to see their team succeed and are eager for the Bengals to reclaim their status in the league. That support can be a significant motivator for the players.
Editor: Thank you, Ben! Your insights are invaluable, and it’s clear that while the Bengals face challenges, there’s room for hope and improvement in the future. We appreciate your time and expertise.
Baby: Thank you! I always enjoy discussing the Bengals and their journey through the season.