Bengals could be utilizing a smart strategy to save money for looming contract extensions
The Cincinnati Bengals have three massive contract extensions looming. Quarterback Joe Burrow will almost certainly receive a contract extension this offseason. And superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase will likely receive a contract extension next offseason. Recent reports and behind-the-scenes chatter have indicated that wide receiver Tee Higgins could also be in line for an extension […]
The Cincinnati Bengals have three massive contract extensions looming.
Quarterback Joe Burrow will almost certainly receive a contract extension this offseason. And superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase will likely receive a contract extension next offseason.
Recent reports and behind-the-scenes chatter have indicated that wide receiver Tee Higgins could also be in line for an extension this offseason.
Thanks to those three big looming extensions, the Bengals need to save as much salary cap space as possible moving forward.
One way to do that will be by hitting on impact players in the draft — especially in the late rounds (which is obviously easier said than done).
We received a clue this week that Cincinnati is banking on this strategy.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported on Tuesday that the Bengals are hosting UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on a top-30 visit this week.
Breer noted that Cincinnati is likely hoping to hit on a day three quarterback in the draft to give the Bengals a "cheap" backup quarterback option.
Former Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning, an undrafted free agent who hasn't recorded any stats since entering the NFL in 2019, is the only other quarterback currently on the Bengals' roster.
Cincinnati obviously needs to add another quarterback to the roster. And considering they're using a top 30 visit on a likely day three draft pick, it all but confirms that the Bengals plan to address the quarterback position via the draft and not free agency.
Some might consider that strategy risky. Having an established backup quarterback can be beneficial in multiple ways. While the Bengals' season will obviously be toast if something serious happens to Burrow, there are also situations where a backup just needs to play a few series or maybe a spot start here and there.
Having an experienced backup can be the difference between a win or a loss in those games. The other benefit to having an experienced backup is that they can often act as another coach, which can be extremely important.
The Bengals, however, will have to make some sacrifices to keep their big three. And that's definitely the right move, but it makes hitting on a quarterback late in the 2023 NFL Draft a critical task for Cincinnati's front office.
