Joe Burrow Challenges The Bengals To Spend Big: Will Cincinnati Step Up?

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has never been one to shy away from leadership—on or off the field. This offseason, he’s making it clear: If the Bengals want to remain a legitimate Super Bowl contender, they need to step out of their comfort zone and start spending to keep their core intact.

Burrow has repeatedly referenced the Philadelphia Eagles’ spending strategy, pointing to their willingness to pay their stars and ensure roster stability.

“The Eagles are paying everybody… That seems like the way.”

This statement isn’t just an observation—it’s a direct challenge to the Bengals’ front office. Will Cincinnati respond by securing the key pieces of their roster, or will they risk losing crucial talent due to financial caution?

The Eagles’ Blueprint for Success: A Model for the Bengals?

Philadelphia has been a franchise that prioritizes long-term success through strategic spending. Their aggressive approach to player contracts has been a hallmark of general manager Howie Roseman’s tenure.

How the Eagles Built a Championship-Caliber Roster

Jalen Hurts: Five-year, $255 million extension, averaging $51 million per year
A.J. Brown: Four-year, $100 million contract
DeVonta Smith: Four-year, $96 million extension
Lane Johnson: Four-year, $80 million extension
Darius Slay & James Bradberry: Multi-year deals to solidify the secondary

The Eagles’ willingness to invest heavily in talent has led to sustained success, including a Super Bowl victory in 2017 and another Super Bowl appearance in 2023.

Roseman’s philosophy is clear: To compete at the highest level, teams must retain their core talent and avoid unnecessary roster turnover. This is precisely what Joe Burrow is advocating for in Cincinnati.

The Bengals’ Spending History: A Conservative Approach

Unlike the Eagles, the Bengals have traditionally been more cautious with their spending. While they have made some key investments—such as Burrow’s five-year, $275 million contract—their history suggests a reluctance to engage in long-term, high-value deals for multiple stars at once.

Some notable deals in recent years include:

Joe Burrow: Five-year, $275 million extension
Trey Hendrickson: Four-year, $60 million contract in 2021
Orlando Brown Jr.: Four-year, $64 million contract in 2023

However, some big names are still waiting for their payday, including wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, as well as defensive stars like D.J. Reader and Chidobe Awuzie.

The challenge for Cincinnati is simple: Will they break their usual spending habits and follow the Eagles’ lead in retaining top talent?

Burrow’s Key Targets: Who Must the Bengals Retain?

1. Tee Higgins: A Crucial Piece of the Offense

Higgins has been a vital part of the Bengals’ passing attack, forming one of the NFL’s best receiver duos alongside Ja’Marr Chase. However, his future in Cincinnati remains uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract.

2023 Stats: 42 receptions, 656 yards, 5 touchdowns (limited by injuries)
Projected Market Value: Four years, $100+ million

Higgins has already expressed his desire for a long-term deal, but with Burrow and Chase both in line for massive contracts, will Cincinnati commit?

2. Ja’Marr Chase: The Franchise Receiver

Unlike Higgins, Chase isn’t up for a new deal just yet—but his payday is coming fast. The 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year has been the Bengals’ top playmaker, and Burrow has repeatedly stated that keeping Chase is a top priority.

2023 Stats: 100 receptions, 1,216 yards, 7 touchdowns
Projected Market Value: Five years, $150+ million

Burrow and Chase have been connected since their LSU days, and if Cincinnati fails to extend Chase, it could create serious chemistry issues within the team.

3. Trey Hendrickson: Defensive Anchor

Hendrickson has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league since signing with Cincinnati in 2021. He has recorded 39.5 sacks in three seasons and remains the heart of the Bengals’ defensive front.

2023 Stats: 17.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
Projected Market Value: Four years, $85 million

Letting Hendrickson walk would leave a massive hole in Cincinnati’s defense, something the Bengals can’t afford as they aim for another deep playoff run.

Can the Bengals Afford to Keep Their Stars?

Cincinnati’s Salary Cap Situation

The Bengals currently have $46.5 million in available cap space, which seems promising—but that figure will shrink quickly once extensions and free-agent signings begin. If they intend to retain Higgins, Chase, and Hendrickson, they’ll need to creatively structure contracts to avoid salary cap issues down the road.

Potential Solutions

Front-Loaded Contracts: Pay more upfront to limit long-term cap hits
Signing Bonuses: Reduce annual salary cap hits by spreading signing bonuses over multiple years
Restructuring Veteran Deals: Adjust contracts for existing stars to create flexibility

The Bengals have the tools to retain their core—but it all comes down to whether they’re willing to spend aggressively like Philadelphia.

What Happens If the Bengals Don’t Pay Up?

If Cincinnati fails to secure its core talent, the long-term impact could be severe.

1. Burrow’s Frustration Could Grow

Burrow has already made his stance clear—he wants the team to invest in top-tier talent. If the front office doesn’t step up, it could lead to frustration within the locker room.

2. The Offense Could Decline

Without Higgins or Chase, the Bengals’ elite passing attack would take a major hit, making it harder for Burrow to compete against teams like the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens.

3. The Super Bowl Window Could Close

Cincinnati is in its prime championship window, and failing to lock in key players could set them back for years. The AFC is only getting more competitive, and losing star talent could push the Bengals out of serious contention.

Final Verdict: Will the Bengals Accept Burrow’s Challenge?

Joe Burrow has sent a clear message to Cincinnati’s front office—if they want to win, they must pay their stars and keep their championship core intact. The Philadelphia Eagles have provided the blueprint for sustained success, and Burrow believes the Bengals should follow that path.

Now, all eyes are on Cincinnati. Will they step up and invest in their future, or will their hesitancy cost them a golden era of success?

The answer will shape the Bengals’ future for years to come.