The Bengals offseason has already had a number of ups and downs and it appears that evidently goes to proceed with two of their star gamers absent from OTAs.
Huge receiver Ja’Marr Chase didn’t present up for the beginning of Cincinnati’s organized staff actions on Tuesday as he seeks a contract extension whereas vast receiver Tee Higgins can also be not taking part within the offseason program as he has but to signal the franchise tag.
Whereas quarterback Joe Burrow is left to work with vast receivers Trenton Irwin, Jermaine Burton, Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones as an alternative, head coach Zac Taylor does not appear too anxious in regards to the absence of the star duo.
“[They] are nonetheless working exhausting elsewhere, they usually’ll be again on the proper instances,” Taylor mentioned, through Ben Child of ESPN. “The sweetness is we all know these guys. We all know what they’re about and that they’re going to be prepared and targeted when it is time to come again.”
The query is when will they arrive again?
Chase is heading into the ultimate yr of his rookie deal and needs to be paid just like the No. 1 vast receiver he’s. The three-time Professional Bowler has 268 catches for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns since getting into the NFL three years in the past.
Higgins, who was positioned with the franchise tag this offseason, desires a long-term deal, too. Nonetheless, he revealed in March that the staff has not had any talks a few long-term contract extension in a few yr. Because of this, the previous Clemson receiver requested a commerce.
It appears Higgins has since come to phrases that he’ll be taking part in for the Bengals in 2024, as they weren’t concerned with entertaining his request.
“I do anticipate it,” Higgins informed WLWT in April.
That does not imply the 25-year-old is pleased with Cincinnati’s dealing with of the scenario. If the staff desires to get essentially the most out of Higgins in 2024, giving him the payday he deserves can be begin.
The Bengals are not in a rush to take action, nonetheless, as Taylor has the arrogance that every thing will works itself out in due time.
“They’ve the data, so I do know that they are staying on high of it,” Taylor added. “After they get right here and are capable of get these reps. I do know that these two guys are vets, they usually’ll be in an actual great place.”
