The Cincinnati Bengals are striving to build a championship-caliber roster, and quarterback Joe Burrow is keeping a close eye on how other teams have done it – particularly the Philadelphia Eagles.
Philadelphia has consistently signed top-tier talent while still managing to pay quarterback Jalen Hurts like one of the league’s best.
To Burrow, that formula seems like the blueprint for long-term success.
“The Eagles are paying everybody,” Burrow said. “That seems like the way. Whatever they’re doing.”
For Cincinnati, the challenge is clear – retain their core players while making the right moves to improve the roster.
Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are both looking for contract extensions, and pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is another key piece Burrow believes the team must prioritize.
With star players due for major paydays, Burrow is already thinking about how his own contract could be adjusted to make it all work.
“You could convert some of the money to a signing bonus, which will lower the cap hit,” he said. “You can push some of the money to the back end of the contract.
“That lowers the cap hit. And then when you get to the back end of the contract, you can restructure it and convert it to a signing bonus. You can also just take less money.”
Burrow’s willingness to be flexible financially could be critical in keeping Chase, Higgins, and other key contributors in Cincinnati. Now, the pressure is on the Bengals’ front office to make the necessary moves.
Last week, Burrow made it clear that keeping Trey Hendrickson in Cincinnati is just as important as securing his top receivers.
“We need Trey Hendrickson back,” he said on ESPN’s First Take. “We need to give him what he’s worth and what he deserves; he’s earned that.
“We need our young guys to come on. We need to draft well, we need guys to come in and produce immediately; we don’t have time to wait around.
“I think we have the young guys that are capable of going into an offseason training the way they need to, taking advantage of all of the opportunities they can, and come out and play well early.”
While Chase is expected to remain a Bengal, speculation continues to swirl around Tee Higgins’ future.
The star wideout has been linked to trade rumors for months, and with a big contract looming, the Bengals may face a difficult decision.
If Burrow has his way, though, the Bengals will do whatever it takes to keep their core intact – just like the Eagles have done.
Now, it’s up to Cincinnati’s front office (and perhaps Burrow himself) to make it happen.
What are your thoughts on Burrow’s comments? … Will the Bengals be able to hold onto all of their stars???
