Bengals $115 million move could end up being biggest mistake of NFL offseason

The Cincinnati Bengals barely missed out on the playoffs in 2024 after finishing with a 9-8 record. 

The team's offense shouldn't bear the blame for missing out, though, as the unit was explosive with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, among others. 

The defense, however, was a different story. The unit gave up big plays routinely and finished 25th in both yards allowed per game and points per game. 

One would've expected the team to make some big moves on defense this offseason, but that hasn't happened.

In fact, the unit could get even thinner, as star edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson and starting linebacker Germaine Pratt could both be traded. 

Seth Trachtman of Yardbarker recently identified the most head-scratching move made by each team. For the Bengals, Trachtman identified re-signing Tee Higgins to a massive four-year, $115-million extension as the most questionable move. 

While the Bengals should be commended for keeping their offensive core together, it could be at the expense of a very leaky defense. The team extended both Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, while their defense was handicapped by significant spending. Higgins has played only 12 games in each of the prior two seasons, and it remains to be seen if the team can remain competitive after paying two wideouts.

As Trachtman mentioned, the Bengals extended both Higgins AND Chase. This means the team has arguably the best receiver duo in the league, but that money could've been better spent on defensive upgrades. 

Trachtman also correctly pointed out that Higgins has missed five games in each of the last two seasons. The wide receiver is extremely talented, but he hasn't crossed the 1,000-yard mark since 2022 and has never been selected to a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team.

Even still, Higgins is now being paid like a bona fide No. 1 receiver when the team already has a No. 1 receiver in Chase. 

Meanwhile, Hendrickson wants a new contract. The defender led the league with 17.5 sacks last season and was the only Bengal who consistently got pressure. That money that went to Higgins could've gone to Hendrickson and at least ensured the team kept its best pass-rusher. 

At the very least, the Bengals could've made more significant additions to their defense, which doesn't look much different than the one that failed them in 2024.

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