{The Ultimate Bengals Offseason Extravaganza Thread}

[jj22]

(03-17-2025, 06:00 PM)ochocincos Wrote: How did they "strong arm" the Bengals ownership?

Burrow did not threaten to leave or sit out.

Chase and Higgins did not threaten to sit out unless traded.

Bengals made a choice to keep these "Big 3" on veteran contracts.

They were desperately fearful of upsetting Burrow and learned from the Carson situation. Ignoring how Burrow applied pressure is missing a significant moment for this franchise. No excuse for not seeing how pleasing Burrow was influential.  

Chase wasn't signing until Tee signed. They were a package deal and that put the FO in a tough spot. That's what the discussion on how this has changed the league is coming from as players now team up in all or no one negotiations. Bengals handed star players around the league a huge win as now they can demand / make their friends sign extensions or they won't ultimatums....  

This was a significant moment for the league and there's no reason to not acknowledge it.