08-19-2022, 02:55 AM
(08-16-2022, 02:22 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: This isn't next summer, but the summer after:
-Hendrickson
-Reader
-Mixon (Club Option)
-Boyd
-Burrow (Club Option)
-Higgins
-Awuzie
-Jonah Williams
-Tee Higgins
-Logan Wilson
And some other guys that aren't as important.
Just WOW! It's the core of our team.
You're absolutely right. No question that's the core today. But I think you're being overoptimistic if you think it'll be the same in two years. First, with the wideout contracts being handed out today, I think it's next to impossible that this team can keep both Higgins and Chase long-term. It's getting harder and harder for franchise QBs to co-exist with one WR1 (see: Rodgers/Adams, Mahomes/Hill), forget about two.
This league is famously moving to backs who are 25 and under, and they've arguably never been more replaceable. Mixon is already 26. 28-year-old backs still getting 250 touches are the exception to the rule- legends like AP. God love Mixon but he's not in that category. I assume he's on his last contract in stripes. And if not, it won't be because he's playing well. By the way, I reserve the right to be wrong about all of this lol.
I visit a lot of boards and find it interesting how fans here seem to rate Jonah so highly. That's cool, but I'd just say it's widely expected that he's in his last year as a Bengal. He won't be tagged (since he doesn't merit Top 5 money- he's average across the board) and they won't break the bank for him. I don't think they even know yet whether he's better suited to play as a bookend or on the interior; they haven't really had a chance to see (for obvious reasons). He's kinda been forced outside by default. In fact, I personally think they've been grooming D'Ante to take over for him next year. That may yet change, of course, since D'Ante hasn't proven anything. But even if it does, Mike Brown has never shelled out for his OL before. It's hard to believe he'll start with Jonah Williams.
I love Boyd but it's the same story: there's only so much pie. He won't demand 20+ but he'll want his bag. If Burrow's pegged for 50- safe assumption imo- the slot receiver may be one of the first casualties.
Two more years on Reader's and Hendrickson's bodies is an eternity. We don't mind paying our DL but it remains to be seen what shape those two will be in in 2024. Two years ago Lawson was the future; three years ago Geno was a PBer lol. Point being that a lot could change (and likely will).
As for Chido, I don't know. He'll be almost 30 so he'll be affordable. The only question is whether we'll want to afford him in two years. CB1s are generally on the same (unfair) clock as tailbacks. He'll probably lose a step by then and the FO will be tempted to let him go.
Honestly, of the 10 up there, I think the Bengals are budgeting for Franchise, Chase and Logan. Maybe they'll squeeze in one more (like Boyd) or maximum two (Trey). All the others will either be on their way out/tagged or already gone. And I'm not even worried about it. That's the reality when you're a perennial contender. I expect them to win 100-110 games over the next ten years (not including playoffs) and Burrow's everchanging supporting cast will soon become the norm. On the one hand we'd do well to enjoy the moment and not look too far ahead; very few franchises get the opportunity. On the other we'd better get used to the revolving door.
