Opening Day of the 2025 Cincinnati Reds season is quickly approaching. Photo provided.
I didn’t want to have to rant about this, and it is sad that it has gotten to this point, but the mismanagement from Bengals ownership has truly sent this organization on a downward spiral. I’d like to stand outside of Paycor Stadium and yell “The Price will only increase,” until one of them understands. If Cincinnati would’ve acted when they should have, Bates would be playing for $12 million per year, Higgins would’ve signed for $23 million per year, Chase for $35 million per year, and Hendrickson for $25 million per year. Prices aren’t going down, and after the Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby signings, these players will want even more. Now that Duke Tobin has agreed to make Ja’Marr the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history (never ever say that before a signing), we now are looking at $40+ million for Chase.
It’s time to get the deals done, eat the losses that are a direct result of incompetence, and change the way this organization operates. I love the Bengals; I really do. Paul Brown was known as one of the biggest influencers to the game of football, but his family has failed to understand how to properly handle contracts and forming a roster. As JJ Watt stated, “Reward your players earlier and reap the benefits in the long run.” Never allow yourself to get in these standoffs year after year with your franchise players. With that being said, I expect a deal done with Higgins today. If not and if this team goes into camp with multiple players unhappy with contract situations, you can nearly bank on another slow start. There has been some good news recently, as Cincinnati locked up Gesicki and Ford, but it’s time to take care of our star players. Easy for me to say, though, when it’s not my money, right?
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