For decades, Cincinnati Bengals fans found themselves enduring a harsh reality. From 1990 until 2021, the franchise was locked in a playoff drought that saw them go winless in the postseason. That was, of course, until Joe Burrow stepped onto the scene ahead of the 2020 NFL season. Though Burrow faced a setback with a torn ACL during his rookie year, it was his sophomore season that set the tone for a remarkable turnaround.
Enter Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow’s college teammate, who made an immediate impact and transformed the Bengals’ offense. The results were staggering: Cincinnati finished the season with a 10-7 record, reclaimed the AFC North title for the first time since 2015, and embarked on a fairytale journey to the Super Bowl.
As we look ahead, the question looms large: can Burrow, Chase, and the rest of the squad recreate that Super Bowl magic in the near future?
Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape in Cincinnati has notably changed. The team has seen significant roster turnover, the coaching staff has undergone a facelift, and there’s a new financial game plan in play.
Let’s break down the current financial commitments for the Bengals’ core offensive players. Burrow landed a lucrative five-year deal worth $275 million, while his talented receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, received hefty extensions of four years each, valued at $161 million and $115 million, respectively. With a $55 million quarterback, a $40 million wide receiver, and another nearing $30 million, Cincinnati is navigating uncharted financial territory.
While the future looks bright on the offensive side with these key players secured, building a competitive team around them now presents a more complex challenge.
The Bengals’ situation draws some parallels to the Philadelphia Eagles, though the circumstances are distinct. Both teams have sizeable contracts on their books but still aim to compete at a high level. The Eagles, fresh off a Super Bowl victory, managed to maintain a strong roster by excelling in the draft and smartly navigating free agency.
Philadelphia has seen a series of successful draft picks that yielded cheaper, high-impact players, like Jalen Carter and DeVonta Smith, who have proven crucial to their success. Similarly, they’ve bolstered their team through savvy additions in free agency, bringing in key contributors without breaking the bank.
For Cincinnati to mirror that success, it’s vital that they excel in their upcoming drafts, seeking out hidden gems who can contribute at a high level on affordable contracts. The value of adding a Pro-Bowl caliber player on a rookie deal or at a bargain rate cannot be overstated; it’s essential for the Bengals if they hope to sustain success in the coming years.
The real possibility lies within the Bengals’ offensive firepower. With Burrow, Chase, and Higgins, this team has the capability to score points in bunches, consistently threatening to reach that magical 35-plus point mark on any given Sunday. In the playoffs, an elite offense is a significant asset.
However, the defense needs to step up as well. With Dax Hill and DJ Turner returning from injuries, and a new defensive coordinator at the helm, there’s hope for improvement. Coupled with an influx of draft picks, the Bengals can build a defense that is not only competent but can ultimately keep them competitive in tight games.
In summary, with Burrow and his talented crew leading the charge, the Bengals have a golden opportunity ahead. If they can fortify their defense and continue to harness the offensive firepower, Cincinnati’s Super Bowl window appears wide open.
