As the NFL offseason approaches, the Cincinnati Bengals emerge as one of the most intriguing teams. Despite missing the playoffs, they are well-equipped with a franchise quarterback and a talented roster. However, a financial challenge looms with key players Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson up for new contracts, posing potential difficulties for a franchise not known for its spending.
On Thursday morning’s episode of ESPN’s First Take, Joe Burrow expressed optimism about the Bengals’ chances of securing new deals for Chase, Higgins, and Hendrickson. In response to Stephen A. Smith’s doubts about the ownership’s willingness to invest, Burrow highlighted factors that could facilitate these agreements. “The cap is going up each year. We just got new TV deals,” he stated. “We all want to stay together, so we’re all going to do what it takes to do that. Great players deserve to be paid what they’re worth, and discussions indicate that those who need to be paid will be.”
Joe Burrow addresses the Bengals’ slow starts and the importance of their WRs 💪
“We have the space we need to keep both [Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins].” pic.twitter.com/2cSy0YUfts
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 6, 2025
In the coming weeks and months, we’ll see whether Cincinnati will take the necessary steps to maintain its core. Notably, Burrow’s initial comments regarding salary cap increases underscore the broader implications of media rights deals on team dynamics. Every time TV ratings are discussed, there’s a familiar chorus of “who cares?” from fans, yet Burrow’s insights suggest that these negotiations have significant impacts.
Burrow quickly referenced the salary cap’s rise due to the NFL’s lucrative media deals, emphasizing that such agreements would not have been possible without the league’s immense popularity and record ratings. Moreover, other media rights transactions indicate it’s feasible to secure funding even without staggering Nielsen figures. While streaming platforms are gaining traction, traditional ratings remain influential in shaping the types of agreements leagues can negotiate, affecting salary caps and owners’ spending.
Ultimately, acknowledging this landscape is crucial, as Joe Burrow clarified—sports are a business, and currently, the leagues’ media rights deals play a pivotal role in their financial health.
