IF these extensions for Chase and Higgins happen, we'll have $125 million in 3 offensive players.

That's new ground in the NFL by far.

It's going to put a premium on drafting.

What are your thoughts on team building?

My take on the 800-pound gorilla in the room

Maybe I’m being a negative-Nancy here but …

Let’s say we pay all this money to keep Trey and Tee and break the bank on Chase. Awesome. They deserve it. I hope we keep them all!

That said, some on this board will consider these extensions as the be-all-end-all and label this as a successful off-season.

Problem. We had all 3 last year….lol

Unless and until we make some BIG splashes on D…. why would it make sense to expect any discernible change in our record….let alone, an increase in our chance of getting to the SB?

Also, keep in mind, JB, Chase and Trey — all had their best seasons. So at the very least, we “need” them to repeat this, just to hope we get in the playoffs! Clearly it wasn’t enough last year. That alone is a big ask as all 3 lit it up.

Anyone else concerned that our desperate need for a revamped D is not on the priority list?

JB had a prolific season with a mediocre OLINE so as much as I’d love to see them address too, he managed just fine. Yes, not exactly wise to risk his head getting ripped off but there is only so much loot Mikey will spend as we know.

It is likely a good thing as long as the salary cap continues to increase. If it doesn't increase or actually goes down then things get a lot trickier. I believe that happened in the COVID years but otherwise is pretty much unheard of.

It’s good to have valuable assets. These are likely the best 3 we have on the team (when you factor in age).

You can always trade an asset for similar value.

Draft and develop better so in 2-3 years, maybe you have the option of flipping a Higgins (or Chase??) for someone of equal value.

The Bengals would have the highest paid offense in the NFL. Right now they are #2. They need to play like it. There is absolutely no excuses if they go into the season and have a game like New England where they score just 10 points and we miss the playoffs because of it. No excuse for Burrow to fumble the ball and have it returned for a TD and we lose the game. Dont count on your #22 paid defense to win games for you. These guys on offense want to reset the market and be paid so much more disproportional to the defense? Offense needs to carry this team every game. Dont blame the defense

Although this horse has been dead for a while, kicked, mutilated and set on fire; however, since buyer's remorse threads will be inevitable - maybe we can limit it to this one.

My thoughts are that those who can - do. We have three players who are among the best in their positions, and we can negotiate extensions with them by NFL rules, so we did.

I feel strongly that in today's NFL, any Team who has a Burrow, Chase and Tee level of players, will pay to keep them.

Eagles did. Albeit, it occurred when price tags were lower.

Interestingly, the RB position is coming back into focus.....

They have to hit on the draft.

That’s why a shake up in the scout department would have better signaled they understood this as key to the plan. Hiring an additional scout or two.

They say this is the big SB winners mistake too. Trying to hold on to the team too long. Patriots seemed to have mastered the balance.

I guess they're going to score over 40 points per game and the defense is going to be somewhat irrelevant.

Sorry but this IS a limited Free Agent class for improving pass rush. We signed a big NT who anchors well and that was a major need. We will sign at least one starting caliber Guard. I expect we'll go DL heavy early in the draft and maybe Guard as early as Rd 2.

The year we made the SB, they were on rookie deals and probably counted $25-30 million against the cap.

I think we have to pay them and keep them. I'm skeptical that they can build a SB caliber team around them.

(03-16-2025, 02:33 PM)Joelist Wrote: Sorry but this IS a limited Free Agent class for improving pass rush. We signed a big NT who anchors well and that was a major need. We will sign at least one starting caliber Guard. I expect we'll go DL heavy early in the draft and maybe Guard as early as Rd 2.

I do agree on DE. Wasn't really interested in most. Chase Young or Bosa would be decent. Major risk on Bosa.

A lot of guards got massively overpaid.

That said, there are guys who are upgrades at any position.

We likely need a veteran S and CB too.

The offense was great, minus the oline, so pay them.

The defense was trash, so clean house.

I think it’s simple. We’ve been bitching about coaching for years. Some coaching changes have been made so we’re about to find out if it was a coaching issue or a personnel issue (on defense)

(03-16-2025, 02:33 PM)Joelist Wrote: Sorry but this IS a limited Free Agent class for improving pass rush. We signed a big NT who anchors well and that was a major need. We will sign at least one starting caliber Guard. I expect we'll go DL heavy early in the draft and maybe Guard as early as Rd 2.

Before Slater signing, I felt the same. 

Now, I think defense skill positions who can contribute this season - CB, S, LB. A 1-tech to fill Tufele's spot in the latter rounds. 

I look forward to these guys on the field for the next four or five years together. No more distractions please. Now go get this town a trophy.

(03-16-2025, 12:58 PM)Whacked Wrote: My take on the 800-pound gorilla in the room

Maybe I’m being a negative-Nancy here but …

Let’s say we pay all this money to keep Trey and Tee and break the bank on Chase. Awesome. They deserve it. I hope we keep them all!

That said, some on this board will consider these extensions as the be-all-end-all and label this as a successful off-season.

Problem. We had all 3 last year….lol

Unless and until we make some BIG splashes on D…. why would it make sense to expect any discernible change in our record….let alone, an increase in our chance of getting to the SB?

Also, keep in mind, JB, Chase and Trey — all had their best seasons. So at the very least, we “need” them to repeat this, just to hope we get in the playoffs!  Clearly it wasn’t enough last year. That alone is a big ask as all 3 lit it up.  

Anyone else concerned that our desperate need for a revamped D is not on the priority list?

JB had a prolific season with a mediocre OLINE so as much as I’d love to see them address too, he managed just fine. Yes, not exactly wise to risk his head getting ripped off but there is only so much loot Mikey will spend as we know.

Yep.

Keeping these guys beyond their current deals doesn't improve the team this/next year.
And as some of us have been saying since Burrow signed his extension, it will be more challenging for Bengals to get back to the dance when they won't be able to sign good FAs and have to actually start hitting and developing on draft picks again to go along with their expensive stars.

(03-16-2025, 12:55 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: IF these extensions for Chase and Higgins happen, we'll have $125 million in 3 offensive players.

That's new ground in the NFL by far.

It's going to put a premium on drafting.

What are your thoughts on team building?

If you really think about it that's all it takes. Pay your studs that are mismatches and find solid role players. A fine example of this was the Rams team that beat us in the SB. Ramsey, Donald, Kupp, and Stafford. Basically those four guys beat us.

So, it can be done this way but definitely need to find a couple of standout defensive guys..Cough,cough, Trey, Wilson, and hit on one stud DB..Cough,cough Bates....Oh well.

NFL contracts are out of hand. This shit is crazy.

You are always going to have to draft well to win a championship.

(03-16-2025, 04:09 PM)Atomic Orange Wrote: NFL contracts are out of hand. This shit is crazy.

Don't worry, they CERTAINLY won't pass on the cost to the fans with jacked up ticket, merch, and tv/streaming subscription costs.