What's going on in Cincinnati?
 

Can somebody explain what's happening?

Burrow and Chase are both eligible for monstrous deals that will re-set the market. Are neither of them happening?!

They said they are committed to keeping Tee Higgins... alright, fine. But the guy wants a $20m/year contract?

Are they going to just hit the snooze button on this for a year somehow? Are these deals getting done?

What's going on?

Mike Brown is cash poor.

There are reports that they've started discussions with Burrow. Chase will probably wait until Jefferson's deal is done.

Supposedly the Bengals and Burrow have agreed to keep contract negotiations out of the media, so we likely won't hear much about that one until it's done.

It's April 4, 2023.

Right.

So why are they trying to keep Higgins? Trade him to the Bears or whatever. Get cheap draft picks. Burrow is the closest this league has to Mahomes right now, keep the roster stocked.

Is Higgins just going to say nevermind on getting a gigantic contract for a year?

They've been on the shitter since the week before the Super Bowl since they had to show us all how much they love Skyline Chili.

Soon....

https://www.aphlblog.org/wp-content/...il-810x477.jpg

Probably waiting for the WR market to settle down after it went crazy 12 months ago

I think that they think this is the year. Keep Higgins this year, tag and trade next year, while locking the other two up. And HOPEFULLY win a superbowl before coming Ochocinco/Carson Palmer 2.0.

If your plan is to tag/trade Higgins, that removes the tag threat for Chase, which you'll need.

The Bengals are not stupid. They are basically going to look at the Mahomes deal and do that with Burrow. He's really the only other QB that you would feel comfortable inking to a long term deal like that, and I think Joe will agree to it. It will just be bigger than Mahomes.

As for their WRs, I think they keep Higgins this year because he's cheap. Worry about Chase next off season. I think they are basically just in run it back mode.

But know this, Bart Veach is basically their GM too, because they are just working off his work product.

They aren't keeping Higgins and have no reason to hurry with the other two.

I think the Bengals would love to do that deal, but I question if Burrow has the dog in him to agree to it.

Keep in mind that deal was a gift to the Chiefs. Mahomes left a lot of money on the table.

I don't think that's what Burrow will do -- and that's not a criticism of Burrow. I just think leaving tens of millions on the table is not something you should expect someone to do.

Threat of a hold out could be a reason.

Deadlines spur action. No reason to hurry it now.