Even amidst a disappointing season that has the Cincinnati Bengals on the outside looking in for a playoff spot in the AFC, Joe Burrow is enjoying one of the most productive seasons of his career. And Burrow, after leading the Bengals to a 27-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, made it clear that he understands how paramount three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and fellow talented wideout Tee Higgins are to his success.
Speaking to reporters, Burrow said he hopes the team is able to bring back Chase, with whom the team unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a long-term contract this past offseason. Of course, paying Chase top receiver money could make a long-term commitment to Higgins difficult. But Burrow said he's "confident" the Bengals will do what it takes, adding that he plans to be involved in the process when Higgins becomes a free agent at the conclusion of the league year in March.
"Those discussions are ongoing," Burrow said. "I'm confident that I think we're going to be able to do what it takes to bring Tee [Higgins] back. And I know that I'm gonna do what it takes to get him back and so is he. We've had those talks. So, those are going to be offseason discussions."
"But I think we're excited about that opportunity."
Joe Burrow with a postgame bombshell:
“I’m confident we are going to do what it takes to get Tee (Higgins) back (in 2025).”
Said he is willing to do what it takes to make that happen. Mega statement. pic.twitter.com/GwpGSTQpBy
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) December 10, 2024
Higgins, 25, has two 1,000-yard campaigns in five NFL seasons, and was seeking long-term security from the team in the form of a contract, but little progress was made on that front at the beginning of this past offseason, leading Higgins to request a trade. With a long-term deal not in the cards and a trade even less likely, Higgins in June signed the one-year franchise tag, later saying he did so to "kill the noise."
So, it's no secret what Higgins desires this offseason—it's just a matter of if the long-term deal is feasible for the Bengals financially.
In Burrow's eyes, Higgins is an elite talent at the position, one who commands respect from defenses even when he's not filling up the stat sheet, as was the case during his 23-yard effort on Monday.
"Yeah, you feel his presence when he's out there," Burrow said. "You feel his presence. You feel how it affects the defense. You feel how it affects the defensive coordinators' calls. Even if he's not super productive on a night, teams have to worry about him.
"His presence ... The defense is worried about him. And you feel that."