Bengals Listed Among “Teetering Contenders” by ESPN Before 2024 Offseason

Jeremy Fowler categorized NFL teams as contenders during the 2024 offseason, placing Cincinnati in the “teetering” group.

Prior to the 2024 season, the squad needs to make a few important financial decisions.

Fowler noted, “The Bengals’ roster is well-stocked, but they need additions, especially on defense.” “Expect Cincinnati to use the draft and free agency to try to add explosiveness and quickness to its front seven, especially on the interior defensive line.” There is a widespread belief throughout the league that Cincinnati will let veteran slot receiver Tyler Boyd leave and franchise-tag wide receiver Tee Higgins. Potential cap casualties include defensive lineman BJ Hill ($7.5 million) and running back Joe Mixon ($5.8 million in cap savings). Mixon finished the season with 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Tee Higgins franchise tag is the first significant step in this process, and it should be awarded prior to the deadline of March 5 at 4 p.m. ET.

Will Cincinnati use its outstanding trio in the passing game to play Higgins on the tag and gun for a single, decisive run? Or, in an attempt to maximize his value, make an unusual trade? Throughout the next few weeks, we will begin to receive responses.