Yesterday, 11:12 AM
(03-13-2025, 07:47 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Would that really be the case? I mean the sports reporting world already gives the Bengals the reputation as "cheap", so in the sports world court of public opinion, most would simply say that the Bengals were reaping what they sowed.
I think this is probably accurate. If Trey and Chase and Higgins are still not signed/traded by preseason, I believe they could do a hold-in throughout the preseason and would find more public support than criticism. Not after watching Higgins being tagged twice rather than get the opportunity for long-term stability. Not after Hendrickson found out that other teams were willing to give him the salary and guaranteed money he is seeking but the Bengals were unwilling to trade him.* Not after the Chase negotiations seeming to go on forever. And the same goes if they have "soft-tissue issues" and sit out some games.
* The report from Dianna Russini that "Teams are willing to pay Trey Hendrickson the contract that he desires but have found Cincinnati's current asking price to be 'ridiculous.'"
The hope is that The Family solves these three issues by preseason, but if they don't, I think this year the blame will go on the Bengals FO/owners rather than the three players. When you have your top 4 players complaining (someone posted Burrow's annoyance above), then there is a pattern that cannot be downplayed.
