The Bengals’ Unconventional Approach Continues to Raise Eyebrows
The Cincinnati Bengals have long faced criticism for the way they handle team operations—from roster construction and contract negotiations to salary cap management and scouting. They’ve earned a reputation for doing things their own way, often to their detriment.
Recently, Robert Mays of The Athletic Football Show took aim at the team’s contract strategies, particularly with star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
“Look at the contract structures for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins,” Mays said on a recent episode. “Combined, they’re set to count about $50 million against the cap this year—nearly the same as before their extensions. Compare that to someone like CeeDee Lamb, whose deal is in the same range. His first-year cap hit was $8 million. Ja’Marr’s is $25 million.”
Mays also pointed out that the Bengals were slow to lock these players down long-term. Chase, for instance, was a “hold-in” during training camp last year—present but not participating in practices—while waiting for a new deal. Despite the delay, he went on to dominate the 2024 season, leading the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17). He ultimately signed a four-year, $161 million extension with $112 million guaranteed—a contract that likely would’ve cost less if the Bengals had acted sooner.
So what were they waiting for?
Mays emphasized what many around the league already know: the Bengals operate differently, and not in a good way.
“This team doesn’t pull the levers that other teams do,” Mays said. “It puts them at a disadvantage. No one’s asking them to do anything extreme—no crazy void years or reckless spending. Just basic, modern NFL contract structuring. These are layups, and they’re passing on them.”
More Contract Challenges Ahead
The Bengals’ cap situation isn’t dire—they currently have about $61.9 million in space—but they’ll need every bit of it. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who has posted 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons and led the NFL in 2024, is now holding out and threatening to miss games. He’s likely eyeing deals in the range of Myles Garrett’s $40 million per year and watching closely to see what stars like Aidan Hutchinson and Micah Parsons receive.
Yet again, the Bengals are setting themselves up to pay more than they should.
And that’s not the end of it. Their top two picks from the 2025 NFL Draft—Shemar Stewart and Demetrius Knight—remain unsigned, underscoring the front office’s ongoing issues with execution and urgency.
For a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a franchise quarterback in place, the Bengals’ outdated approach is more than a quirk—it’s a liability.
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