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Bengals Secure Star Duo, But at What Cost?
26 Jul
Summary
- Bengals signed Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to new contracts
- Bengals in contract disputes with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and first-round pick Shemar Stewart
- Bengals had 6 losses in 2024 when scoring 25+ points, tying an NFL record

In the recently completed 2025 offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals made a significant move by securing wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on new long-term contracts. Chase is now tied to the team through the 2029 season, while Higgins is under contract until 2028.
While these deals solidify the Bengals' offensive core, the team has now found itself embroiled in contract disputes with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart. Specifically, if the Hendrickson situation continues to deteriorate and leads to his departure, the Bengals' defense, which was already struggling in 2024, will lose its best player.
The article also notes that the Bengals had six losses in 2024 when scoring 25 or more points, tying an NFL record. They also had two losses when scoring 38 or more points, another league record. This suggests that the team's defensive woes may have been a significant factor in their struggles, despite the offense's productivity.